What Is Varicocele Embolization? A Minimally Invasive Option for Men’s Health

A varicocele, or enlarged scrotal vein, can be terrifying and embarrassing. There’s not a lot of education out there for men or women when it comes to genital changes, and shame is the most common reaction. Thankfully, we’re a judgement-free zone, so you can come to us for help with your varicocele.

At Apex Endovascular, located in Fort Collins, Colorado, Dr. Shawn Ahmed regularly sees men who come to our office with concerns about a varicocele. He performs safe, effective varicocele embolizations to resolve the issue and help you feel confident again.

Varicocele basics

A varicocele is an enlarged blood vessel, similar to a varicose vein. Increased internal blood pressure makes the vein swell as blood builds up behind a faulty valve. While varicose veins are most noticeable on the legs, varicoceles show up on the scrotum (most commonly on the left side because of the angle of the spermatic vein on that side).

Not all varicoceles grow to be very large, and most aren’t a danger to your health. However, it’s best to get any varicocele checked out. Bigger varicoceles frequently impact male fertility, may become very uncomfortable or painful, and can even reduce your testosterone levels.

Two things you should know: first, you’re not alone. An estimated 15% of adult men have a varicocele. Second, you didn’t cause your varicocele by masturbating too much, not masturbating enough, having too much sex or too little, or by playing sports. The important thing is to get appropriate care. 

Varicocele treatment options

If the varicocele is small and harmless, you may simply want to leave it alone and keep an eye on it. If you’re concerned aesthetically, or if the varicocele is large and causing health issues, you have two options:

Surgery

The go-to option for years was varicocele surgery. Your doctor would access the spermatic vein subinguinally (through the groin) or laparoscopically (through tiny incisions in the scrotum), clip it to shut off blood flow, and divert that flow to a nearby healthy vein.  

Embolization

If the idea of surgery “down there” makes you squirm, don’t worry. Dr. Ahmed uses a procedure called varicocele embolization. It’s much less invasive than surgery. Dr. Ahmed makes the tiniest nick in your scrotum and feeds a thin tube into it. The he simply injects a  small metal coil or a liquid substance into the affected vein to block blood flow. 

You’ll get numbing medication before the procedure, and it only takes a few minutes. Your varicocele will respond over the next few weeks, shrinking until it flattens out. You’ll feel better about yourself, any pain will be gone, and your sperm count and testosterone levels can recover. Best of all, varicocele embolization using coils and a sclerosing agent has a 92% success rate.

To learn more about varicocele treatment, schedule a consultation with the team at Apex Endovascular by calling 970-508-8439 or by booking an appointment online.