Understanding varicocele: urologists’ perspective

Abstract

Varicocele, a common cause of scrotal swelling in men, is closely associated with infertility. This article reviews its historical context, epidemiology, aetiology and the current understanding of underlying mechanisms leading to infertility. It further assesses the existing evidence on optimal treatment strategies and examines current guidelines for diagnosis, investigation and treatment of varicocele. In addition, the article offers urologists’ perspective on the condition to provide a holistic view of its clinical considerations and management.