Urologists estimate that between 10 and 20% of all men will experience a varicocele at some point in their lives. And only 40% who have a varicose vein in the testicle will have any discernible symptoms. Most men can feel the swelling or lump that surrounds the testicle inside of the scrotum. Interestingly 96% of all cases this will be on the left side. There is a physiological reason for this. The spermatic cord on the left side is longer and requires a more circuitous route to the heart. It also connects to the left kidney vein which has a higher blood pressure than the right one. A higher pressure on the side increases the likelihood of swelling in this vein which may be weakened. (14)
