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Varicocele

A varicocele is a bundle of enlarged veins within the male scrotum. It is caused by one or more faulty valves within the veins, causing blood to flow in reverse and “pool” within the veins, forming a bulge. They are similar to varicose veins in the legs.

Varicoceles are most common within the left testicle. The veins can feel like a “bag of worms” and will usually be found by a doctor during a routine physical. Once one is formed, it will not go away on its own.

Most men with this condition do not experience any symptoms. However, as many as 40% of men with decreased fertility have a varicocele. It is thought that the additional blood raises the temperature in the testicle, which negatively affects sperm count and quality.

varicocele treatment

Treatment options

Men without symptoms do not need to treat this condition. However, those experiencing pain, infertility or testicular shrinking may benefit from treatment. In addition, it is recommended that adolescents treat this condition to avoid future infertility. For mild cases without symptoms, over-the-counter medication or watchful waiting are considered “conservative” treatment options. When they cause ongoing symptoms, or if they are interfering with fertility, two treatment options are available.

In the past, surgery to correct a varicocele (also called varicocele ligation or varicocelectomy) was the preferred option. However, surgery requires hospitalization and general anesthesia, along with risks that include testicular atrophy, infection and arterial damage. It results in scarring and the possibility of recurrence. Those who have surgery require a recovery of approximately two weeks before exercise can be resumed, and up to 4 weeks before sexual activity can be resumed.

Today, varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive procedure with comparable success rates to surgery but without hospitalization, general anesthesia and scarring. Recovery requires just two days before resuming normal activities, and complications are rare and minor if they occur.

You can learn more about this treatment by clicking here »

To learn more about minimally invasive treatments at NG Vascular & Vein Center, please contact us.