A Varicocele is an enlargement of veins within the scrotum (the loose pouch of skin that holds the testicles). These veins contain one-way valves that allow blood to flow from the scrotum/testicles and back to the heart. When the valves do not function properly, the blood pools in the veins. Pooling of blood in these veins causes them to enlarge thereby increasing internal pressure and temperature and possibly damaging the testicles and decreasing fertility.
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Symptoms
A varicocele may or may not produce notable signs or symptoms. They can sometimes be accompanied by pain that may manifest itself in the following ways:
- Sharp to dull discomfort
- Increase with standing or physical exertion, especially over long periods of time
- Worsens over the course of the day
- Relief whey you lie on your back
Over time, varicoceles can become enlarged and be more noticeable. In young men, a varicocele can impair sperm production, which can be improved with treatment.
When to see a doctor
Because a varicocele may have little to no symptoms, they are often times discovered during a fertility evaluation or a routine physical exam.
However, if you experience swelling or pain in your scrotum, discover an abnormal mass in your scrotum, notice that your testicles vary in size, or you’re having problems with fertility, you should contact your doctor who may refer you to an Interventional Radiologist for further evaluation.
There are minimally invasive, non surgical treatments for Varicocele known as embolization.
WHICH TYPE OF DOCTOR PERFORMS THESE PROCEDURES?
Interventional Radiologists are leaders of minimally invasive, catheter-based treatments. These methods are often less painful, better tolerated and have quicker recovery time than conventional surgery. Varicocele embolization is one such treatment.
Varicocele Embolization
Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive treatment performed by interventional radiologists. First, a tiny incision is made in the groin. Next, a thin catheter, resembling a strand of spaghetti, is passed through the vein and directed towards the varicoceles. The interventional radiologist injects X-ray dye to better see the veins. After locating the varicoceles, the interventional radiologist injects tiny coils to prevent blood flow to the varicoceles, reducing the pressure in the veins.
Throughout the treatment, the patient is awake but relaxed and pain free. Patients are observed for approximately 2-3 hours after the treatment before being discharged home on the same day.
J. Perez (Patient)
A. Benzaquen (Patient)
S. Brown (Patient)
Meet Our Team
Moises Roizental
Dr. Roizental is a Board Certified Vascular and Interventional Radiologist, with over 20 years experience in endovascular procedures. (Former chief resident at Harvard Medical School)
Linda Hughes
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See a Doctor from home with an online doctor visit
SPEAK WITH A DOCTOR ON YOUR COMPUTER OR MOBILE DEVICE
- Sometimes, it’s hard to get to one of our offices.
- Schedule a time that is convenient for you.
- Avoid travel time and waiting rooms.
- Connect through a trusted video chat platform for medicine.
- One of our doctors will be able to answer all of your questions.