Examination

varicocele examinationA testicular exam is a normal part of a man’s regular check-up by his doctor.

A testicular exam may be done standing up so that the scrotum is relaxed. The doctor checks the size and position of the testicles, and gently rolls each testicle back and forward to feel for lumps or swelling.

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handheld-dopplerIf the doctor suspects a varicocele, he or she might use an doppler machine which uses ultrasound waves to detect the flow of blood. If there is blood flowing backwards down the veins towards the testis this creates a noise like the wind which indicates a varicocele.

 

 

 

 

 

 

varicocele scan

Ultrasound can also be used to create a picture. The dilated veins appear like holes in a honey-comb. The size of the testicles can also be measured accurately.