Varicocele is caused by what?
There are several causes of varicocele, which might be due to damage or congenital deficiency of the valves in the spermatic veins. It may also be caused by prolonged standing or sitting, strenuous exercise, or venous reflux difficulties due to gravity. Some patients suffer from varicocele due to renal vein thrombosis caused by a tumor within the renal vein, or external tumors compressing the spermatic veins. Additionally, natural anatomical structures also play a significant role, particularly in left-sided varicoceles. This is because the left spermatic vein is longer, enters the left renal vein at a right angle, and is compressed by the superior mesenteric artery. These factors heighten venous backflow pressure, which over time can also lead to varicocele.