Varicocele Treatment
Embolization and Varicocelectomy (Surgical Procedure)Varicoceles are enlarged varicose veins within the testicles and scrotum that can cause pain, infertility, and testicular atrophy (shrinkage of the testicles). In many cases, they do not affect men’s health, but sometimes they can lead to infertility or low sperm production, making treatment necessary. Varicocele embolization, available at Dot Clinics, is a non-surgical treatment that blocks blood flow to the affected veins, causing the varicocele to shrink and die off. All our treatments are led by our Urologist and Endoscopic Surgeon, Dr. Amjad.
What is Varicocele?
A Varicocele is a condition in which the veins around the testicles, known as the testicular veins, become enlarged or dilated. These veins are responsible for carrying blood away from the testicles. When they expand beyond their normal size, for example, from 1.5 millimeters to 3 or 4 millimeters, disrupting the normal blood circulation.
Based on how much the veins are dilated, Varicocele is divided into four grades: subclinical, grade one, grade two, and grade three. The higher the dilation of the veins, the higher the grade of the Varicocele.
Most cases of Varicocele occur on the left side, about 90 percent, while only about 10 percent affect the right side. This is mainly because the left testicular vein drains into the left renal vein at a ninety-degree angle, which creates resistance and prevents proper blood flow. As a result, blood begins to collect around the testicle, forming a Varicocele.
If you’re facing infertility, low sperm count, or have been diagnosed with varicocele, visit Dot Clinics to discuss your condition with Dr. Amjad and explore permanent treatment solutions. At Dot Clinics, we specialize in men’s health and infertility management, offering advanced surgical, non-surgical, and medical treatments designed to help you regain confidence and overcome reproductive health challenges.
Varicocele Symptoms
- A dull or aching scrotal pain particularly after long periods of standing or physical activity.
- Enlarged or visible veins in the scrotum, sometimes referred to as a "bag of worms".
- Discomfort or heaviness in the testicles.
- One testicle (typically the left one) may seem smaller than the other.
- Fertility issues or troubles during sexual activity.
- Swelling in the scrotum which gets worse as the time passes.
Causes of Varicocele
Though the exact cause is not always known, several factors include:
- Weak valves in the spermatic veins might allow blood to collect and cause enlarged veins.
- It's more frequent on the left side because of the kidney vein's drainage pattern for the vein.
- Intense activity, heavy lifting, or long hours can cause increased pressure in the veins of the scrotum.
- Genetically weak vein walls or defective valves may make some men susceptible to varicocele.
- Quick blood flow during puberty can stress the veins, particularly if testicular development is late.
- Chronic straining from coughing, constipation, or pressure in the belly can affect vein drainage.
- In rare cases, a mass in the abdomen or kidney can block blood flow and cause a varicocele.
Diagnosis of Varicocele
At Dot Clinics, we do:
- Physical Examination: Our doctors examine your scrotum while you stand and may ask you to bear down (Valsalva maneuver) to find enlarged veins and evaluate the severity of the varicocele.
- Scrotal Ultrasound: If required, we use ultrasound imaging to evaluate testicular volume, blood flow, and swollen veins.
- Grading the Varicocele: Based on the examination, we rate varicoceles from small (Grade 1) to big and visible (Grade 3).
- Doppler Ultrasound: When needed, we do a Doppler ultrasound to examine blood flow in great detail—particularly if the varicocele is difficult to feel but symptoms are evident.
Varicocele Treatment Cost
Varicocele treatment cost generally ranges between PKR 20,000 to 200,000, depending on city, hospital, type of surgery (open, laparoscopic, microsurgery), surgeon’s experience, and associated hospital.
In Pakistan, varicocele open surgery typically costs around PKR 60,000–70,000, while microsurgery or other advanced procedures may range between PKR 250,000 and 300,000. For exact pricing information, it’s best to call each clinic directly like Dot Clinics.
Dot Clinics offers affordable varicocele treatment options, with costs starting from as low as PKR 20,000 and going up to PKR 250,000, depending on the procedure and patient needs.
Who Is a Candidate for Varicocele Treatment?
You may be a suitable candidate for varicocele treatments if you experience scrotal pain or pressure, enlarged veins, reduced sperm count or testicular size, or infertility related to a varicocele. Men diagnosed with infertility are particularly strong candidates for treatment, as varicoceles can increase scrotal temperature and affect sperm production, leading to low sperm count, poor motility, abnormal sperm shape, and other fertility issues. Treating the varicocele from Dot Clinics can help restore comfort, protect testicular function, and improve fertility outcomes.
Varicocele Treatment Options – Why Choose Embolization?
Treatment of Varicocele depends on its severity and the symptoms experienced by the patient. Not every case of Varicocele requires surgery. Some patients are diagnosed incidentally during routine ultrasounds or infertility workups and may not have any discomfort. But, surgery becomes necessary when specific indications are present. Varicocelectomy, which is the surgical correction of a Varicocele, is recommended in patients who have higher grades of Varicocele, persistent pain, heaviness, or discomfort, or when the condition is causing infertility or a low sperm count known as oligo-asthenozoospermia. It may also be required for those who need to meet physical fitness standards for certain professions, such as the military.
Dot Clinics provides a range of surgical choices and minimally invasive procedures to match your needs.
- Varicocelectomy - Surgical Treatment Using contemporary microsurgical techniques and laparoscopic surgical techniques, Dot Clinics provide correct and effective treatment for varicoceles while protecting healthy veins. This small surgical procedure seals off enlarged veins in the scrotum to help restore normal blood flow and enhance semen analysis results.
We perform it through small incisions, carefully tying off the problematic veins while preserving surrounding healthy structures. Recovery is smooth, most of our patients are back to their normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks. This safe procedure carries a low risk of infection and is the most effective treatment available. - Medications: Dot Clinics provides expert advice on the safe and effective use of medications to manage symptoms, though there’s no pill that “cures” varicoceles, some medicines help manage symptoms:
- Pain relievers: NSAIDs include ibuprofen or acetaminophen for inflammation or pain.
- Venoactive drugs: Supplements like diosmin or hesperidin are used to help vein walls and enhance blood flow.
Note: Medications mainly ease discomfort; they don’t fix the underlying vein issues.
- Varicocele Embolization:
Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure used to treat varicocele enlarged veins within the scrotum that can cause pain, swelling, or infertility.
It is generally safe with a very low risk of complications. Rare side effects may include infection, allergic reaction to contrast dye, minor bleeding, coil migration, or temporary scrotal inflammation.
During embolization, experienced urologists use imaging guidance to insert a thin catheter through a small incision, usually in the groin or upper thigh. A tiny coil or a special blocking agent (sclerosant) is then released into the affected vein to stop abnormal blood flow. This redirects blood through healthy veins, reducing pressure on the varicocele and improving testicular function. Dot Clinics offers state-of-the-art procedures, using the latest technology and skilled specialists to provide a safe, minimally invasive alternative to surgery. This option is performed by specialized urologists:
- A catheter is passed through a vein, often one in the neck or groin.
- Inject coils or a sclerosant agent to obstruct the offending veins.
- Through healthier veins, blood is rerouted, relieving the varicocele.
After embolization, you’ll be monitored for a short time before being discharged the same day. Most patients can return to light activities within 24 hours, though strenuous exercise and sexual activity should be avoided for about one to two weeks, or as advised by your doctor.
- Lifestyle Modification: Dot Clinics emphasizes the need of these lifestyle modifications for controlling varicocele symptoms:
- Wearing supportive underwear aids to lift the scrotum and relieve discomfort.
- Keep a balanced weight as extra body weight places additional pressure on your veins.
- Consistent exercise improves circulation and reduces vein swelling.
- Avoiding extended sitting or standing helps to refrain blood from pooling, so try not to remain in one place for too long.
Varicocele Treatment Without Surgery in Pakistan
Varicocele embolization is one of the best non-surgical treatments for varicoceles. It is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that blocks the affected veins and improves blood flow. Also, some medications and lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding heat exposure, quitting smoking, and eating a balanced diet can also help improve fertility and overall testicular health.
Why is Varicocele Treatment Necessary?
Many men have varicoceles without any symptoms, and these usually do not require treatment or cause any adverse effects. Small varicoceles that cause only mild discomfort can often be managed with observation or over-the-counter pain relievers.
Treating Varicocele is very important because when blood collects around the testicles, it increases the local temperature. This constant heat can lead to testicular atrophy, a condition in which the testicles shrink and their function deteriorates. It also affects sperm production and motility, leading to infertility. Generally, it is diagnosed by test results like testosterone levels or semen analysis findings.
Even if medications are used, sperm quality and quantity cannot improve unless the underlying problem of Varicocele is corrected. Therefore, surgical treatment, known as Varicocelectomy, is crucial to restore normal blood flow, reduce excess heat, and improve sperm health, motility, and fertility.
Are varicoceles dangerous?
Varicocele's are very common, and they are not dangerous. In fact, 15% of all adult men have a varicocele, but rarely they can be associated with dangerous conditions. For example, if a varicocele is on the right side or doesn’t get smaller when you lie down, doctors check to make sure there isn’t a lump or blockage inside the abdomen.
Varicoceles can also affect how much testosterone a man makes. Most men still have normal hormone levels, but in rare cases, testosterone can drop very low, which may lead to problems like weak bones, diabetes, or weight gain.
Why Choose Dot Clinics For Varicocele Treatment?
- Advanced diagnostics and proven treatments focused on you and your needs are instigated by our experienced urologists. From the very first visit to that very last follow-up, our friendly and attentive staff is simply there for you, listening, guiding, and ensuring that your entire medical history receives due care. We consider the whole scenario, not only the symptoms. Our strategy combines medical knowledge with lifestyle advice to assist you in achieving long-term wellness rather than only short relief. Your medical data remains private and always handled respectfully.
- Timely treatment is essential for patients with severe symptoms or infertility concerns. At DOT Clinics, we have Dr. Muhammad Amjad (M.B.B.S/M.D – Latin America, MS Urology, Pakistan Medical Commission Certified), a renowned Urologist and Endoscopic Surgeon, who provides varicocele embolization with the highest precision. While many people believe that surgery, such as a varicocelectomy, is the best way to treat a varicocele, we also offer this option for patients who prefer a surgical approach.
✅To ensure the authenticity of medical information, the above content has been verified by Dr. Amjad, a registered Urologist and Endoscopic Surgeon.
FAQ's
- Aching pain in the testicle (usually left side)
- Visible or enlarged veins in the scrotum
- Testicle feels heavier
- Swelling or a lump in the scrotum
- Reduced sperm count or quality (in some instances)
Yes. Varicocele can occasionally affect sperm quality and generation, hence adding to infertility problems. Not everyone having a problem with varicocele experiences fertility issues.
Usually, doctors palpate the scrotum as you are standing and ask you to take a deep breath and bear down. Ultrasound is most probably used to confirm the diagnosis.
Not always. If it is not causing discomfort or fertility issues, it does not need treatment. But still it's vital to monitor and get it evaluated.
We provide complete confidentiality, sophisticated surgical procedures, and experienced care. From diagnosis to recovery time, our team supports you with compassion and cutting-edge solutions to improve both comfort and fertility.