An enlarged vein within the scrotum is called a varicocele. These abnormal veins can put pressure on sperm tubules and other structures in the testicle, causing symptoms like:
- Infertility
- Pain in the scrotum that can get worse over the day, but gets better if you lie down
- Shrunken testicle
- Swollen testicle
Many varicoceles don’t need treatment and will go away on their own. When necessary, experts at the Desai Sethi Urology Institute can perform minimally invasive procedures to treat this condition and help restore fertility.
Treatments
Infertility
If you don’t have pain or infertility, you may not need treatment for a varicocele. You and your doctor will monitor the varicocele for any changes.
Surgery
Your urologist can repair a varicocele by making an incision in your groin or abdomen. They will use a special microscope to examine the vein and repair the varicocele.
Percutaneous Embolization
During this minimally invasive procedure, your doctor inserts special tools through a small incision in your groin. They use a solution to block the affected vein in the testicle, which redirects blood flow and allows the varicocele to shrink.
Tests
Physical Exam
Your doctor will examine your testicles for enlarged veins.
Ultrasound
Your doctor may use ultrasound to examine the veins in your testicles. Ultrasound is painless and creates an image of the inside of your testes.
Why Choose UHealth?
Innovative, expert urology care at the Desai Sethi Urology Institute. Our team of urology experts delivers advanced care for all urologic conditions. We use the latest research and the least invasive procedures to help you feel better and recover more quickly. Our experienced urologists design a personalized treatment plan to give you the best possible results.
Advanced research in men’s health. Our urologists are dedicated to men’s health and conduct innovative research into many conditions. Our expert team has helped develop new minimally invasive and robotic surgical procedures to treat cancers, incontinence, and more. We give you access to leading-edge treatments and clinical trials that aren’t widely available. In addition, we have established the eighth fellowship program in the nation dedicated solely to teaching physicians how to care for men’s health.
Leaders in robotic surgery treatment. We have some of the world’s most experienced robotic surgeons for urologic procedures. In fact, doctors come from all over the world to learn at our Urology Robotic Program — the #1 ranked program in South Florida. The University of Miami Health System was the first academic medical center in the world to get the da Vinci Xi robotic surgery system and has completed more than 5,000 robotic surgeries — procedures that offer less pain and scarring and a faster recovery.
Questions? We're here to help.
Our appointment specialists are ready to help you find what you need. Contact us today.