Varicocele Embolization at Texas Endovascular
Varicocele is a common vein-related condition that affects men. About 15% of men will develop a varicocele in their lifetime, most often during puberty.
Although they develop during the teen years, many men don’t discover them until later in life when they develop minimal pain or fertility issues.
Due to their lack of symptoms, they are not considered dangerous or life-threatening.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with varicocele, are experiencing symptoms consistent with one, or have fertility issues that you believe could be tied to this vascular condition, we can help.
Using varicocele embolization, we can treat your varicocele at the source, relieving pain and implementing healthier circulation.
You don’t have to struggle with fertility issues or live with varicocele-related symptoms forever. We provide the solutions you need now through innovative varicocele treatment.
Continue reading to learn more about treating varicoceles, including symptoms, treatment options, and procedural steps for varicocele embolization.
First, What is a Varicocele?
A varicocele is a type of vein condition that affects the scrotum caused by a swollen vein.
The vein becomes enlarged due to poorly functioning vein valves or compression of a certain vein within the scrotum.
It is more common for a varicocele to develop on the left side of the scrotum.
Symptoms of a Varicocele
Varicoceles develop during puberty but can grow over time, causing symptoms to become more noticeable.
Although most men do not experience symptoms, for those that do, they can include pain that:
- Can be dull or sharp
- Increases in standing or physical activity
- Worsens throughout the day.
Varicocele can also prevent testicles from fully developing or cause them to shrink (testicular atrophy) or become uneven in size. In rarer cases, a mass within the testicle may appear and bulge.
Other complications of varicoceles include low sperm production and decreased sperm quality leading to potential fertility issues due to the rise in internal pressure and temperature. In fact, between 10% and 20% of men have difficulty with fertility.
How to Diagnose a Varicocele
Your doctor may be able to diagnose a varicocele by conducting a physical exam and feeling for abnormal enlargement of the veins in the scrotum.
A scrotal ultrasound may be needed to capture images of the structures inside your body.
Varicocele Treatment
Unless you’re experiencing pain, testicular atrophy, or problems with infertility, treating a varicocele may not be necessary.
If you are experiencing symptoms, talk to a vascular doctor about your varicocele treatment options.
Open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and varicocele embolization are the most common treatment options.
Understanding Varicocele Embolization Treatment
Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive image-guided procedure that delivers material to block blood flow to the swollen vein.
It is one of the best and most advanced ways to treat varicocele without invasive procedures or lengthy hospital stays and recovery times.
During the procedure, a tiny incision is made in the groin or the neck, and a catheter is guided to the site of the varicocele.
Coils or other materials are inserted in the enlarged vein to block blood flow and divert it to healthy veins.
The success rates for standard surgery and varicocele embolization are comparable, but the recovery time after varicocele embolization is much shorter.
After varicocele embolization, most patients can go home the same day of the procedure and resume normal activities within 24 hours.
State-of-the-Art Vein Care in the Greater Houston and Dallas Area
You don’t have to struggle with fertility issues or constant pain due to a varicocele diagnosis, our Vein Treatment Center in Texas is here to help.
There are innovative and minimally-invasive treatment options at Texas Endovascular, including varicocele embolization, to help you feel better than ever.
Intervening early helps prevent the escalation of pain and the progression of fertility-related issues.
Our experienced and compassionate team is here to help. Please schedule an appointment at one of our Houston and Dallas area clinics today to get the necessary care for varicocele.
