Varicocele

Varicocele

A varicocele is the enlargement of veins in the scrotum which is most frequently diagnosed in men aged 15 to 30-years-old. It is a relatively common condition affecting 10 to 15% of men. It is caused by malfunctioning valves that control blood flow through the testicles. Blood can pool and increase pressure in the vein so it becomes tangled and enlarged rather like varicose veins in the leg.

Causes Of Varicocele

A varicocele is caused by malfunctioning valves that control blood flow through the testicles. Blood can pool and increase pressure in the vein so it becomes tangled and enlarged rather like varicose veins in the leg.

Symptoms Of Varicocele

The symptoms of varicocele are normally an aching pain within the scrotum, discomfort and and a feeling of heaviness in the testicle that also shrinks.  An enlarged vein may be visible and it may have an impact on fertility if not treated early.

Treatment Of Varicocele

Varicocele can be treated with an embolization, a minimally invasive technique which uses x-ray guidance to place a tiny coil or embolic fluid in a blood vessel to divert blood flow away from the varicocele, causing it to disappear. This is performed as day surgery and should take between 30 minutes and an hour under local anaesthetic. Surgery under a general anaesthetic is also available.

Contact London Urology

London Urology are experts in the treatment of varicocele and have a variety of Consultants that are able to offer expert treatment methods. If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment then you can call our unit co-ordinator on 020 7432 8297 or by email at  londonurology@hje.org.uk