Prospective observational study.

A varicocele is defined as a dilatation of the veins in the plexus pampiniformis in the testicles. Varicoceles are a diagnostic dilemma and a therapeutic challenge. Most of the boys with a varicocele don't show any symptoms, but approximately 15-20% experience some sort of infertility later during their life. There still isn't any consensus on when treating the patient is the right choice. Reliable scientific research about parameters able to predict the later stages of the boy with a varicocele is therefore needed. The purpose of this study is to how testicular growth could predict the outcome of boys with a varicocele.

During this study, testicular growth in boys with and without a left-sided varicocele will be examined in different schools using ultrasound to measure the testicular volumes, the PRF and the TAI to be able to collect sufficient data with the purpose to be able to predict whether testicular growth is a significant predictor on the progression of a varicocele.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Boys aged 11-16 years without any evidence of a current or past pathology influencing testicular growth

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Boys with a current or past inguinoscrotal pathology (varicocele, testicular microlithiasis, cryptorchidism, retractile testis, orchidectomy, testicular torsion, orchitis or epididymitis, hypospadias, inguinal hernia, oeprated varicocele, hydrocele and epididymal cysts)
2. Boys with evidence of disorders influencing testicular growth (e.g. growth disorders)
3. Boys with missing or incomplete data on Tanner stages for genital development
4. Boys with a psychiatric disorder

The study population consists of adolescent boys with or without a varicocele being between the age 11 and 16 years old when enlisting in the study. Recruitment took place at the Antwerp University Hospital and through medical checkups in secondary schools in Antwerp and West-Flanders.