Definitions and Epidemiology

Abstract

Various definitions have been used to describe varicocele based upon clinical, pathophysiologic and radiologic perspective. Varicocele generally affects 15-20% of the normal adult male population and 35% of men with primary male factor infertility and 70-85% of men with secondary infertility. Varicocele has a progressive nature; it is rarely seen in the pre-adolescent age group and its prevalence increases progressively with age. Varicocele is clinically defined as palpable elongated, dilated and tortuous testicular pampiniform plexus of veins in the spermatic cord. Subclinical or impalpable varicocele is defined based upon color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) as reversal of venous blood flow with the Valsalva maneuver or spermatic vein ectasia with a diameter of 3 mm or greater.

• Venographically, varicocele is defined as venous incompetence that allows pathological reflux into the internal spermatic vein.

• Varicocele affects 15-20% of the normal adult male population and 35% of men with primary male factor infertility and 70-85% of men with secondary infertility.

• Varicocele has a progressive nature; it is rarely seen in the pre-adolescent age group and its prevalence increases progressively with age.