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Introduction: Varicocele is an abnormal distension and tortuosity of pampiniform plexus of the spermatic cord. By appearing at puberty, it can affect testicular growth and semen parameters and is considered as one of the main causes of male infertility. Although in most cases the surgical treatment of varicocele is an effective approach to return testicular function and improve semen parameters, but fertility can be restored only in 30-40% of patients. The fact indicates the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of varicocele in population. Therefore, we conducted the present study to determine the prevalence of varicocele and its clinical complications among learners in NAJA training camps. Materials & Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of 1200 soldiers in NAJA training camps including Shahid Adibi, Marzan-Abad, and Malek- Ashtar, Arak, who were admitted to clinics due to non-urological complaints during year 2008. Of total participants, data collected from 1054 soldiers were usable and considerable. Demographic data, medical history and physical examination results that were achieved by trained physicians were recorded in questionnaires and relevant clinical forms. Results: Of examined cohort, 254 subjects (24.1%) were diagnosed with varicocele. It involved bilateral testes in 62 patients (5.9%), right side testis in 64 patients (6.1%), and left side testis in 128 patients (12.1%). Of onehundred twenty six patients (12%) with right sided varicocele, 83 patients (65.9%), had grade I, 32 patients (25.4%) had grade II and 11 patients (8.7%) had grade III varicocele. Moreover, among 190 patients diagnosed with left sided varicocele, 138 patients (13.1%) had grade I, 32 patients (30%) had grade II and 20 patients (1.9%) had grade III varicocele. Conclusion: Regarding to the development of varicocele at puberty, the effect of varicocele on testicular growth, its high prevalence and being asymptomatic in population, that was also found in 24.1% of our study cohort, as well as the possibility of preventing and reversibility of complications such as testicular atrophy and hypertrophy through surgical therapy, screening, preventive measures and the early treatment are highly emphasized

Keywords: Varicocele, Prevalence, Military trainers

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