Varicocele is a medical disorder that is characterized by an abnormal enlargement of drainage veins of the testicles that are situated in the scrotum. These drainage veins start from the abdomen and pass through the inguinal canal and finally reach the testis. These veins also have valves which ensure that there is no upward flow of blood. However, defective valve or compression of the veins due to trauma or physiological changes in the surrounding structures can cause dilatation of the veins which can lead to the formation of varicocele. The blood flows back into the pampiniform plexus which results in increase in the blood pressure in the vein. This increase damages the testicular tissue.

The incidences of varicocele are fairly common with 15 % of men between the ages of 15-25 getting affected with this disorder and the prevalence is higher during puberty. This is accounted by the fact that the growth if testicles is fast during this period and the demand for blood in the testis increases. If the valves are not able to bear the pressure, it can result in backflow of blood and this can cause malfunctioning of the valves resulting in varicocele.

Resource:Varicocele