Varicoceles - what are they?

A varicocele is an enlarged varicose vein, or a bunch of them which affect the testicles. Usually there are some more visible veins in the testes, sometimes you can only feel them. They are more common the older you get.

Varicoceles affect the temperature of the testicles - making them warmer - which is a bad thing for sperm production. They are a common cause of lower sperm production or decreased motility, so can affect male fertility.

Commonly, nothing will be done about varicoceles unless they are causing considerable pain.

Varicoles can be uncomfortable - current NICE guidance recommends supportive underwear for management.

However, if you've already got warmer testicles, keeping them tucked up in cosy pants isn't going to help with the temperature.

What can you do to improve sperm health and quality?

*Check out my 5 fertility tips for men.

*Keep the scrotum cool - specialist cooling pants are available from snowballsunderwear (this is one brand that I know of, there may be more).

*Contact a fertility specialist (me ?) to find out more steps you can take to reduce the impact of varicoceles. Targeted fertility reflexology can help ease the symptoms.

Have you got a varicocele? What have you been told about their management, or the effects on your fertility?