Varicocele Treatment in Delhi India

Varicocele is a bunch of enlarged veins in a man’s scrotum that feels like a “bag of worms” on touch. A varicocele is a relatively common condition in young men. Varicocele occurs mostly on left side with only 1% being right-sided. Varicocele may be asymptomatic or may cause pain, swelling or sometimes infertility. It is the most common identified correctable cause of male infertility.

Why does a varicocele occur? Normally, testes get fresh oxygen rich blood via an artery and the used blood flows out via a network of small veins, which is carried back to the heart. This flow is one-way and reverse flow is prevented by a series of valves in the veins. In some individuals, however, these valves do not work well and the blood flows in reverse direction. This increases pressure in these small veins around the testes, which become enlarged and form a varicocele.

What are the symptoms? Commonly a varicocele is silent and does not cause symptoms. However, some varicoceles cause a dull or aching pain, especially when the person is standing for a long time. In some individuals, a varicocele may cause infertility. As many as 40% of men with decreased fertility have a varicocele. A common explanation is that the varicocele increases the temperature in testes and adversely affects the sperm count and quality. In some men, varicocele can cause shrinking (atrophy) of the testicles and low testosterone levels.

How is varicocele diagnosed? It is best to catch a varicocele before it causes major problems, such as infertility. Self-exam of the scrotum is an easy way to diagnose a varicocele. A varicocele can feel like a “bag of worms”, and is usually found on the left side. USG Doppler confirms the diagnosis and also tells us the severity and stage of the varicocele.

What is the treatment? For men who are having mild or occasional symptoms, the following steps may be enough to control the discomfort:

Wearing a jockstrap (tight underwear)

Avoiding heavy weight lifting

If these measures do not help, the varicocele can be treated with embolization or surgery. The goal of the treatment is to stop reverse blood flow through these enlarged veins. Studies have shown that embolization and surgery are equally effective.

How does Embolization work? Embolisation is a treatment where abnormal blood vessels are sealed through angiography by placement of liquid embolics or glue. This procedure is done without any surgery, cuts and stitches. It relieves pain and swelling and may improve sperm quality for infertile couples. A small catheter (thin plastic tube) is inserted into a vein in the arm. X-ray is done to confirm the catheter position. Then, embolic material or glue is injected in the abnormal vein. Blood can still exit the testicle through other normal veins. It is done as a day care procedure under local anaesthesia. The patients can be discharged after few hours of observation. This method is least invasive, very safe and has high success rates.

What is the success rate? The success rate is more than 90% with embolization. Its safety and effectiveness has been shown in very large studies.

Are there any complications associated with varicocele embolization? The complications are rare, which may include mild pain.

What is the cost of varicocele embolization? The cost of varicocele embolization is comparable to the cost of surgery. We will provide you an approximate estimate of the cost during your consultation before the treatment.

What is best for me? You should discuss your treatment options with your doctor. Some questions to ask include: What are the risks and benefits of Surgery and Embolisation? Is varicocele embolization an option for me? How many days do I need to miss the work or office?

If you are suffering from varicocele, you may please write us an email or WhatsApp a text, the details are given on our website.