Diagnosis

Doppler Ultrasonography of spermatic vessels 

What is: a simple exam to measure blood flow (especially venous) of vessels beside vas deferens (the duct which transports spermatozoa).

Why: to see if venous blood flow near deference is decrease or even inverted. In this case is usually present a condition named "varicocele". It is an abnormal accumulation of dilated (varicose) veins of the pampiniform plexus of the spermatic cord.

How: by simply putting an ultrasound probe, for a few minutes,on the skin of the scrotum. It is requested to vary body position and breathing modality during this exam.

Reliability: good.

Risks: none.