Varicocele is a condition which is very similar to varicose vein, with the difference that this one typically occurs in males, and that it refers to the veins that are located inside the scrotum and that tend to enlarge. It can manifest either as a twisted and non-tender mass along the spermatic cord, or through the pain or swelling. What is interesting about this condition is that it usually does not cause any problems, except in rare cases, when it produces pain, which can be dull or sharp, but which tends to increase when the man is sitting, or when he is in a position that demands physical straining. Symptoms of varicocele according to TCM include:

1. Pattern of Liver and kidney Deficiency
Main symptoms: scrotum dull pain, prominent veins of scrotum, vertigo, soreness and weakness of waist and knees, insomnia, frequent dream, impotence, infertility, light tongue, white coating, deep pulse.

2. Pattern of Cold-damp stagnation
Main symptoms: cold scrotum, scrotum pain affecting the perineum and belly, penis shrink, aggravation after long walk or stand, weak and sore waist, white coating, deep pulse.

3. Pattern of Blood and Qi Stasis
Main symptoms: prominent veins of scrotum, tortuous scrotum like earthworm, swelling pain of testis, aggravation after fatigue, gloomy complexion, dysspermia, less sperm.