What are the signs of a varicocele?

Varicocele: Varicocele are engorgement of the spermatic vein/plexus in the scrotum. Large varicocele can often present visually as a fullness or "bag of worms" on top of the testicle. I recommend seeing a urologist if you notice any of these findings or a lump in your testicle.

Swelling/Discomfort: The symptoms of varicocele are typically engorgement of the spermatic cord veins which may result in a fullness or swelling of the upper scrotum. More dramatic examples may appear as a "bag of worms" through the scrotal skin. A dull ache may be present in the affected testicle and sometimes shrinkage as well. Affected men with subpar semen quality may see improvement with repair.

Here are...: In standing position, if varicocele is big, one can see scrotal swelling with a coil-like surface; on manual palpation, one can feel the swelling like a bag of worms inside. If one asks the patient to strenuously bear down and hold breath, one can feel more engorgement of veins. If small, it is even hard to feel it by experienced hands. The rest of varicocele behaves and displays in between.