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Fertility Glossary

Varicocele

Enlarged veins in the scrotum that can affect sperm quality.

Male fertility

A varicocele is a collection of dilated veins around the testis, more common on the left. It can raise scrotal temperature and is associated with reduced semen quality in some men. Repair may be considered where there is a palpable varicocele with abnormal semen parameters, but it is not recommended for all men who have one.

Also known as: varicoceles, scrotal varices

Related Australia guides

Sources

  • Healthy Male (healthymale.org.au)
  • Healthdirect Australia (healthdirect.gov.au)

Last reviewed: 10 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only โ€” always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

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