Which maneuver will worsen the pain associated with varicocele?

The Valsalva maneuver involves forcefully exhaling against a closed airway, which increases intra-abdominal pressure. This action compresses the veins in the abdomen and can exacerbate venous congestion in the scrotal veins that are already affected in cases of varicocele. The resultant increased pressure is likely to worsen the pain associated with a varicocele due to increased blood flow and engorgement of the affected veins.

In contrast, activities such as deep breathing tend to have a neutral or potentially even beneficial effect on symptoms, as they do not significantly increase intra-abdominal pressure. Walking can help in maintaining circulation and can be a relatively gentle form of exercise that doesn't typically aggravate symptoms. Leg raises, while they may engage the abdominal muscles, usually don't create the same level of pressure buildup as the Valsalva maneuver. Thus, it's the Valsalva maneuver that is particularly likely to heighten discomfort linked with this condition.