SpecialtiesVaricocele
Varicocele: when to get assessed, and when surgery is needed
When a varicocele affects pain or fertility, and when it needs surgery.
Consultant Urologist, Andrology & Male Infertility
A varicocele is an enlargement of the small veins that drain blood from the testicle. It is common, and many varicoceles cause no symptoms and need no treatment.
Whether to treat depends on symptoms, examination, semen analysis and the patient’s goals, not simply on the varicocele being there.
First step
How is it assessed?
- 1Clinical examinationTo grade the varicocele and link it to symptoms
- 2Doppler ultrasoundWhen needed, to confirm the diagnosis and assess blood flow
- 3Semen analysisIf fertility is part of the picture
After the diagnosis
Treatment options
Monitoring
For varicoceles that cause no pain and do not affect fertility
Microsurgical repair
When treatment is needed, magnification and precision help deal with the small veins and lower the chance of recurrence
Having a varicocele does not always mean it is the cause of pain or infertility. A full assessment decides that.
Videos
The doctor explains it himself
Frequently asked questions
Questions about Varicocele
Need an assessment?
Choose a clinic and call its booking line. The website never asks about your condition
Choose a clinicDoes a varicocele always cause infertility?
No. Many men with a varicocele father children naturally. An assessment shows whether it matters in your case.
Why does a varicocele come back after surgery for some men?
Because it is a network of small veins, and any vein left untreated can let it return. Clear magnified vision and precision during surgery matter for that reason.
Other specialties
This information is educational and does not replace a medical consultation. In an emergency go to the nearest emergency department
Ready to book?
3 clinics in Jeddah. Choose the one closest to you