Overview
- Most varicoceles are left-sided due to venous anatomy.
- Symptoms range from a dull scrotal ache to testicular atrophy or abnormal semen analysis.
- Embolization treats the problem through a single pinhole in the wrist or groin, no incisions, no general anesthesia.
Symptoms
- Dull or aching scrotal pain, worse with standing, exercise, or at the end of the day.
- Visible or palpable 'bag of worms' veins in the scrotum.
- Asymmetric testicular size or testicular atrophy on the affected side.
- Male-factor infertility or abnormal semen analysis.
How it is diagnosed
- Physical exam, including the Valsalva maneuver.
- Scrotal Doppler ultrasound to confirm and grade the varicocele.
- Semen analysis when fertility is a concern.