Varicoceles are varicose veins of the testicles and scrotum that can, but don’t always, cause pain, infertility and testicular atrophy (shrinkage of the testicles). Approximately 10-15 percent of all men have varicoceles. They are most prevalent in men ages 15-35. Among infertile couples nearly 30 percent of men have varicoceles.
Varicoceles are caused when the one-way valves in the scrotal veins, which allow blood to flow from the testicles and scrotum back to the heart, become dysfunctional or fail. This causes the blood to pool and the veins around the testicle enlarge to form a varicocele.
If the varicocele causes testicular pain or infertility, there are options available, including minimally invasive treatments. When considering varicocele treatment, make sure to weigh the risks and benefits of each treatment option.
Varicocele embolization is a highly effective, minimally invasive alternative to surgery, performed by an interventional radiologist in an outpatient setting. Varicocele embolization requires only a small nick in the skin that does not need to be stitched and offers a quicker recovery.
Varicocele embolization, performed by a vascular interventional radiologist, is a minimally invasive procedure that closes off blood flow to the affected veins, causing the varicocele to shrink and die off.
You will be given a mild sedative before the procedure begins to help you relax, as well as a local anesthetic at the procedure site.The interventional radiologist will then insert a catheter through a small nick in your arm/groin and using fluoroscopy, a type of x-ray, image-guided technology. The catheter will be advanced and placed into the affected testicular vein.
Contrast (a type of dye) is injected to help your IR physician visualize your veins so they know exactly where to embolize (block) the varicocele. Your IR physician does this by placing small coils and/or sclerosants (medicine that is injected directly into your veins which irritates the vein and causes them to become occluded). Once this occurs, the vein is blocked and blood flow is now redirected away from the varicocele, so the varicocele will no longer be able to live.
If you prefer a minimally invasive treatment option, speak with IRCC Pakistan team about varicocele embolization, you may be a candidate for varicocele embolization if you are an adult male and have been diagnosed with a varicocele that is causing you testicular pain, discomfort or infertility.
Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that:
It was a painful journey but thanks to IRCC Pakistan I got better. At 25 , I was diagnosed with fibroids after experiencing massive pain. I felt alone. No doctors wanted to do anything with a girl like me. The only procedure they knew of was a hysterectomy and at 25 that is definitely not happening; not even if i wanted to just end the pain, I was going through everyday. But by the Grace of God now I am healthy and perfectly normal after fibroid embolization.
It was a transformative experience, and I am grateful to IRCC Pakistan. At 30, I was struggling with severe varicoceles, causing constant discomfort. I felt hopeless, but Dr. Qazi offered a minimally invasive solution that changed everything. Now, I'm pain-free and back to my active life, thanks to varicocele embolization.
My journey was tough, but thanks to the support from the healthcare team in Pakistan, I found relief. At 25, I was diagnosed with fibroids after enduring severe pain. I felt isolated, as many doctors were hesitant to help someone like me. The only option they suggested was a hysterectomy, which was not an option for me at that age, even though I was desperate to escape the daily agony. Thankfully, after undergoing fibroid embolization, I am now healthy and living life to the fullest.
It was a painful journey but thanks to IRCC Pakistan I got better. At 25 , I was diagnosed with fibroids after experiencing massive pain. I felt alone. No doctors wanted to do anything with a girl like me. The only procedure they knew of was a hysterectomy and at 25 that is definitely not happening; not even if i wanted to just end the pain, I was going through everyday. But by the Grace of God now I am healthy and perfectly normal after fibroid embolization.
Varicose veins are bulging, twisted veins visible under the skin. While often considered cosmetic, they can signal circulation problems.
Male infertility often involves low sperm count. Varicocele, swollen veins within the testicles, is a common contributor and can impact sperm health.
Varicose veins are bulging, twisted veins that can be seen and felt right under the skin. They commonly occur on the legs, and are present in up to 30% of people.