Male Varicoceles are often found through self-exam of the scrotum or during a routine doctor’s exam. They are often referred to as a “bag of worms” because of how they look and feel.

A primary care physician or urologist will examine a patient while they are standing. Some varicoceles are readily felt or visible. For other patients, a provocative exercise called the “Valsalva maneuver” can be used to make the diagnosis. The patient is asked to take a deep breath, hold it, and bear down while the physician examines the scrotum. This technique allows a better assessment of the scrotal veins. A scrotal ultrasound test may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.