Can varicocele cause infertility?

Yes, a varicocele can be a cause of infertility in men. At SCI Hospital, we define a varicocele as a condition in which the veins within the scrotum – the sac that holds the testicles – become enlarged. This enlargement can raise the temperature around the testicles or affect blood flow, which can, in turn, lead to lower sperm production, reduced sperm quality (such as their motility or morphology), or even damage the sperm's DNA. Varicoceles are a common reason for male infertility, and the good news is that they are often treatable.