High varicocele prevalence in young men in eastern China: a cross-sectional study of 1468 men

Varicocele is a dilation of the pampiniform venous plexus within the scrotum. The prevalence of varicocele in peripubertal men has been reported to vary between 3% and 43%, which is higher than other urogenital diseases. Since its onset has a close relation with male infertility, study of its incidence, pathogenic mechanisms, and efficient therapeutic regimens is important. Prevalence of varicocele in China, especially in rural or underdeveloped areas, has seldom been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of varicocele in young men.