Varicocele Embolization

Around 15% of men experience a varicocele at some point, and many suffer related symptoms like pain, pressure, and infertility. At RIA Endovascular, the experienced board-certified interventional radiologists offer individualized varicocele treatment plans. If you suspect a varicocele and need relief, call the office nearest you in Greenwood Village or Windsor, Colorado, or click the convenient online scheduler now. 

What is a varicocele?

A varicocele is a swollen vein, similar to a varicose vein, in the scrotum. It commonly develops on the left side and forms when a vein valve malfunctions. 

Normally, vein valves have one function: pushing blood upward toward the heart for recirculation. Healthy vein valves seal tightly, but malfunctioning or weak vein valves allow blood to trickle backward and pool, causing the varicocele.

What causes varicoceles?

Vein valves may weaken or sustain damage in many ways. Some of the most common factors include:

• Increased abdominal pressure from heavy lifting or standing for long periods
• Hormone imbalance
• Genetic predisposition to vein problems
• Age, as varicoceles are most common during puberty

Your RIA Endovascular provider performs a complete evaluation, including a physical exam and ultrasound, to diagnose your varicocele, determine its cause, and provide customized treatment. 

What is varicocele embolization?

Varicocele embolization is an office-based procedure that treats varicoceles. The treatment cuts off the blood supply to the unhealthy vein, which can relieve symptoms like swelling and pain. Varicocele embolization may also improve fertility in men whose fertility problems are directly caused by the varicocele. 

How does the doctor perform varicocele embolization? 

The process starts with intravenous sedation and a local anesthetic. Once you’re comfortable, your doctor inserts a needle and catheter into a blood vessel in your groin or neck. Next, they inject a contrast dye that helps with visualization. 

Using live X-rays, your doctor determines which blood vessels are feeding the varicocele. Then, they inject tiny coils through the catheter and directly into those blood vessels to stop the blood flow to your varicocele. 

Once blood flow is fully stemmed, your doctor withdraws the catheter and places a bandage on the incision. 

RIA Endovascular provides a complete set of post-procedure guidelines so you know how to plan your recovery. Many men go back to normal activities within a day or so.

After varicocele embolization, 9 in 10 men experience good results. Symptoms like pain and pressure usually improve quickly. 

Men concerned about fertility have a semen analysis at least three months after the procedure. The Urology Care Foundation explains that many men experience better semen quality within 6-12 months. 

To learn more about how varicocele embolization can help you, call the RIA Endovascular office nearest you or book your appointment through online scheduling now.