Varicocele

Enlargement of the veins of the spermatic cord, commonly occurring above the left testicle. Varicoceles, present in more than 10 percent of males, are usually identified during adolescence. Male infertility has been linked to varicoceles, but a definitive causal relationship has not been established. (Excerpt from: Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, FA Davis, 2001.)