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Bag-of-worms varicocele
System: Kidney & Urinary Signs · All kidney & urinary signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
A soft swelling above the testicle, usually on the left, that feels like a 'bag of worms' and becomes more obvious on standing or straining.
What a positive finding suggests
Associated with varicocele — dilated veins of the spermatic cord; a new right-sided or non-reducing varicocele can be associated with abdominal or kidney pathology.
Related signs — Kidney & Urinary Signs
Browse the B section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.
Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.