Which is right for you?
A varicocele is the result of one or more faulty valves within the veins that return blood to the heart from the male scrotum. As a result, the veins within the scrotum become enlarged and twisted, similar in nature to varicose veins in the legs. Varicoceles are most common around the left testicle and can feel like a knot of spaghetti within the scrotum.
While most men will not experience any symptoms, some men may experience pain and/or discomfort. In addition, because the increased blood flow within the scrotum can raise the temperature of the testicles, varicoceles can result in low sperm production and infertility. In such cases, men with varicoceles may consider treatment for the condition.
There are two primary treatment options: Varicocele surgery and varicocele embolization. Both are equally effective (~90%). Both have very low complication rates. When performed to improve fertility, both will require approximately 3-6 months for sperm count to improve.
However, surgery requires a hospital stay, general anesthesia, and a longer recovery period. In addition, the surgical incision will leave a scar. Varicocele embolization, on the other hand, is an outpatient procedure that requires only a small nick in the skin—similar to a blood draw. The patient can return home right after the procedure and resume most normal activities.
During the minimally invasive embolization procedure, an interventional radiologist uses imaging to guide a tiny catheter through the bloodstream into the affected veins. The vein is embolized using a combination of sclerosant and miniature coils. This causes the vein to shrink, and blood is re-routed through other, healthy veins. Partial pain relief is achieved within a few days and complete pain relief within a month.
If you or someone you know is experiencing pain symptoms or infertility caused by a varicocele, a consultation with one of our doctors will help you to fully understand the varicocele embolization procedure and find out if you’re a candidate.
