Testicular Pain caused Varicocele

Dear Ask The Doctor: Hi, i seem to have developed pain in both of my testicles but in different places. For about a month now I've been getting a 'dragging pain' and ache in my right testicle just above and below it. In my left testicle the pain seems to be on the back of the testicle. Its only mild pain but its annoying me....I've read about something called a varicocele? could it be this? Thanks

Dear Mike: Varicocles could account for your symptoms. A varicocle is an abnormal collection of veins within the testicles. They often do not cause symptoms but may cause pain as they seem to be doing in your case. The diagnosis can be confirmed by an ultrasound. The definitive treatment is surgical removal.  Another possibility is the presence of a spermatocele. This is a non-cancerous collection of sperm that arises from the epididymis. They may cause testicular pain and decreased fertility. Varicoceles are also associated with decreased fertility.