Quick Growth During Puberty
Many things happen to the body during puberty. For boys, one of the most significant changes is the growth of the testicles and the scrotum. The scrotum is a sac of skin that hangs below the penis and contains the testicles. The testicles are responsible for producing sperm and testosterone.
During puberty, the testicles grow very quickly. This rapid growth can cause the veins in the scrotum to become enlarged and twisted. The most common symptom of varicocele is a feeling of heaviness or pain in the scrotum. The pain is usually worse when standing for long periods or during physical activity. Some boys with varicocele also notice that their testicles are larger on one side than the other. However, many boys with a varicocele don’t experience any symptoms.
In many cases, varicocele doesn’t require treatment. However, a doctor can suggest wearing supportive underwear or taking over-the-counter pain medication for those experiencing pain or discomfort. For fertility concerns, treatment may be recommended to improve sperm quality or quantity. Surgery to repair the veins in the scrotum is sometimes necessary, but this is typically only done if other treatments haven’t been effective.
