Varicocele is swelling in the scrotum (sac that contains testes in men) due to enlargement of veins which drain blood from testes. Varicocele may be a cause of infertility in men and for unknown reason varicocele occurs in the left side more commonly than the right side. The upward flow of blood is maintained by presence of valves in the veins and any defect in valves may cause stasis of blood and cause enlargement of veins (varicocele). Varicocele may also be caused by compression of veins by any nearby structure. Varicocele is a common health problem among males and may occur in as many as 15-20% of all males.

Varicocele occurs when valves which are present in the veins along with spermatic cord become incompetent and as a result become inefficient. Most of the veins in our body contain valves which help the blood to flow toward one direction only, which is towards heart. When the valves become incompetent, the normal blood flow is hampered and blood accumulates, resulting in enlargement (dilatation) of veins. Many a times the cause of varicocele can not be identified.

Vaginitis is infection of vagina, mostly by parasites such as trichomonas, yeasts such as candida or certain bacteria and sometimes by other organisms and result in swelling and/or discomfort. Sometimes vaginitis may be sexually transmitted. Vaginitis frequently cause discomfort in adult women. Vaginitis is less frequently seen in extremes of ages (before puberty and after menopause).

What are the symptoms of vaginitis?

Common symptoms of vaginitis include discharge from vagina (commonly yellowish-white in color), irritation and itching in vagina and sometimes pain. The character of vaginal discharge may vary according to the causative organism, e.g. bacterial infection of vagina cause fishy smelling and thin discharge. Yeast, candida or other fungal infections result in thick and white (curd like) vaginal discharge which may stick to the vagina. Infection by trichomonas vaginalis cause purulent yellow or grey color vaginal discharge with characteristic odor, itching in valva, pain during urination and pain/discomfort during intercourse.