Varicocele Treatment Options: Surgery, Embolization, and More

Image credit: youtube.com

How is varicocele treated?

Varicocele treatment depends on the severity of your varicocele. For low-grade varicoceles, a healthcare provider may recommend at-home treatment options, including: No treatment. You may not need treatment if your varicocele doesn’t bother you or cause fertility issues. Changes to your daily routine.

Can varicocele surgery improve fertility?

It is not recommended that the male partner of an infertile couple be referred for varicocele surgery as a form of fertility treatment, as it does not improve pregnancy rates. Treatment involves tying off the veins (blood vessels) that are enlarged. Another method of treatment is to use a special substance injected into the veins to block them.

What is varicocele embolization?

Varicocele embolization is a less invasive, same-day procedure. A small catheter is inserted into a groin or neck vein. A coil is then placed into the catheter and into the varicocele. This blocks blood from getting to the abnormal veins. Varicoceles often cause no signs or symptoms and don’t usually require treatment.

What is a varicocele scrotum?

A varicocele is an enlarged vein in your scrotum. Varicoceles may cause mild symptoms. Treatment depends on the severity. Severe cases may require surgery.

Does a varicocele need to be treated?

A varicocele often doesn't need to be treated. For a man experiencing infertility, surgery to correct the varicocele may be a part of the fertility treatment plan. For teenagers or young adults — generally those not seeking fertility treatment — a health care provider may suggest annual checkups to monitor any changes.

What is varicocele (var-IH-Koe-Seel)?

Varicocele (VAR-ih-koe-seel) describes a condition with swollen and enlarged veins in the scrotum (Figure 1). These veins carry blood from the testicles that is low in oxygen and nutrients. Swelling can happen when blood flows backward in the veins. Varicoceles are similar to varicose veins in the leg.

How is a varicocele removed?

The varicocele is removed using open or laparoscopic (‘keyhole’) surgery, or embolisation. The surgeon will give you advice on which technique is suitable for you. A single cut is made, in your groin. The veins are identified tied and cut. This does not affect the healthy flow of blood to and from the area as alternative veins are left intact.

What Is Varicocele Treatment

1. https://patient.info/mens-health/scrotal-lumps-pain-and-swelling/varicocele
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicocele/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20378772
3. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/v/varicoceles
4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15239-varicocele

Varicocele Treatment Information

1. https://www.mkuh.nhs.uk/patient-information-leaflet/varicocele
2. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/varicocele/