Scrotal Varicocele Treatment in New York City
If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-212-204-6300.
We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners. Information for out-of-state and international patients. Find out our office hours or directions to our office.
We offer affordable appointment prices with or without insurance. Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.
Treatment of Scrotal Varicocele in Men
What is a Varicocele?
What is a Varicocele?The term varicocele refers to an enlargement of the veins in the ball sac (the scrotum or the pouch of skin that contains the testicles). A scrotal varicocele is similar to varicose veins in the leg. It occurs due to defective valves in the veins, leading to the backup of blood and dilatation of the veins. Scrotal varicoceles are dilated veins that have lost their natural one-way flow mechanism; this allows blood to pool in the scrotum.
Varicocele is one of the most common treatable causes of male infertility because it leads to low sperm count and poor sperm quality. Men with varicocele have been found to have significantly lower levels of testosterone. Some men with scrotal varicoceles experience discomfort and pain in the testicle. Treatment of this condition with a procedure called varicocelectomy results in considerable improvement in symptoms and semen parameters.
Where to Get Varicocelectomy in NYC?
At New York Urology Specialists, we offer varicocele treatment for men. Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.
Call/text today: 1-212-204-6300 or make an appointment online.
We perform testicular implants, scrotal surgery, penile procedures, varicocele and hydrocele repair, and cosmetic circumcision. We offer treatment for phimosis, balanitis, missing testis, low testosterone, penile irritation, and redness. We treat sexual and erectile problems and offer comprehensive testing for infections. We offer confidential appointments.
Our appointment costs are affordable with or without insurance. We offer free insurance verification.
We perform cystoscopy, penile and testicular ultrasound in our office. We offer testosterone replacement therapy, the Urolift procedure, and the water-vapor procedure in our office. We treat urinary and erection problems. We offer confidential appointments.
Why Choose New York Urology Specialists for Treatment of Varicoceles?
Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger is one of the most experienced surgeons specializing in the treatment of scrotal varicoceles in New York City. We offer advanced diagnostic tools, including color Doppler ultrasound. At our practice, we use the most effective treatment available for this condition, microscopic varicocelectomy.
Our board-certified surgeons have extensive experience in correcting varicoceles. With a low complication rate and low recurrence rate, most patients experience a quick recovery and return to their usual activities within a few days of the procedure.
We offer affordable treatment plans for patients with high deductibles or patients without health insurance. We also treat varicoceles in patients visiting New York City from overseas or elsewhere in the United States.
Why Do Men Get Varicoceles?
There are no dietary or behavioral activities that predispose a man to varicocele. It appears that some men have a predisposition to developing enlarged veins in the scrotum, which typically occurs either during adolescence or young adulthood. Strenuous activities that place pressure on the abdominal area may be a risk factor for scrotal varicocele, but most men who engage in weightlifting and other strenuous activities do not develop clinical varicoceles. Varicoceles are caused by the failure of valves in the veins to function properly. This is most commonly caused by excessive intra-abdominal pressure; in many cases, the cause is not clear.
What Are the Symptoms of a Varicocele?
The complex relationship between scrotal varicoceles and testicular pain.
Oftentimes, men with varicoceles have no symptoms at all and remain unaware that they have this condition. If symptoms are present, they usually consist of a dull ache or heavy feeling in the scrotum, which is typically worse after physical exertion or in hot weather and is relieved by lying down on the back. Varicoceles are more common on the left side. Dilated veins may be visible or palpable on the scrotum. The twisted and swollen veins in the testicular area feel similar to a bag of worms.
Most of the time, varicoceles cause no symptoms and are detected only incidentally during a physical exam. Sometimes varicoceles may cause scrotal aches, discomfort, and testicular pain. Many men describe the pain as discomfort that is worse when standing up, walking, or working out and relieved when lying down. Varicoceles may also cause infertility in a minority of men and occasionally prevent the testis from growing normally in adolescent men (teenagers). Scrotal varicoceles can also lead to low testosterone levels or hypogonadism.
What Can Varicoceles Be Mistaken For? How is Varicocele Diagnosed?
Varicoceles can sometimes be mistaken for an inguinal hernia, a hydrocele, or a testicular mass. Experienced urologists can usually make a diagnosis on physical examination. A color duplex ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis.
Should I Worry If I Have a Varicocele?
Varicocele is a common condition. It is more frequently seen in younger males between 15 and 25 years old. Depending on how one defines the diagnosis, as many as 40 percent of men may be found to have a scrotal varicocele. On ultrasound examination, many men have a scrotal varicocele; however, only some of them will have a palpable or visible enlargement of the veins. Traditionally, only varicoceles that can be palpated on the physical exam are treated; sometimes, varicoceles that are not easily palpable but visible on ultrasound may require treatment.
Most varicoceles do not cause symptoms. In adolescent boys, this condition can impair testicular growth, and if that happens, varicocelectomy should be performed, which usually leads to catch-up growth of the smaller testicle.
In adult males, varicoceles can lead to infertility and impaired semen parameters. Some men with varicoceles experience low testosterone levels. Varicocelectomy can improve testosterone levels by an average of 150 points in most men with a clinically palpable varicocele. Some men with palpable varicocele experience scrotal pain, ache, and discomfort that typically lasts for more than 3 months and is worse with exertion.
Who Needs Treatment for Varicoceles?
- Men and adolescent boys with symptoms often require treatment.
- Men and boys with chronic scrotal pain and discomfort caused by varicoceles can be effectively treated with microscopic varicocelectomy.
- Men with low testosterone levels and obviously large varicoceles can often be treated effectively with microscopic varicocelectomy, which leads to increased testosterone levels.
- Men who have suboptimal semen parameters and varicoceles may benefit from varicocele repair.
- Teenage and adolescent boys with varicocele causing decreased testicular growth often benefit from varicocele repair.
Treatment Options for Scrotal Varicoceles in Men: When Do Varicoceles Need to be Treated?
Conservative Measures: There are no medications that can make a varicocele go away. In obese men, weight loss may decrease the severity of the varicocele and improve pain symptoms. Compression and scrotal elevation with a jockstrap or similar device may help alleviate symptoms to some degree, but this is not a reliable, sustainable, or definitive treatment for varicocele. Observation will typically lead to no improvement or worsening of varicocele symptoms.
Surgery vs. Embolization: Treatment options for scrotal varicoceles include varicocelectomy and embolization. There are multiple approaches to the surgical treatment of varicocele in men, including microscopic, laparoscopic, open, and robotic varicocele repair. Studies have shown that the most effective treatment option for varicocele repair is microscopic varicocelectomy, which provides the least invasive treatment option with fast recovery and the least risk of complications.
Our Approach to Treatment: We perform microscopic varicocelectomy at New York Urology Specialists.
Treatment of Scrotal Pain Due To Varicocele
Left-sided varicocele is the most common. Some men present with a palpable left varicocele and a nonpalpable small right varicocele that is discovered incidentally on the scrotal color Doppler ultrasound. If pain is only present on the left side, there is no need to treat the right side. Some men, however, experience pain on both sides, typically worse on the left side. We have found that most of the time when there is a subclinical right varicocele and predominantly left-sided pain, correction of the clinically significant left varicocele leads to resolution of the right-sided pain as well.
Advantages of Microscopic Varicocelectomy
The main advantage of microscopic varicocelectomy is the ability to effectively treat all sources of the varicocele, including varicose veins originating in the gubernaculum, which cannot be treated through embolization. Microscopic varicocelectomy is associated with a greater than 95 percent success rate in effectively treating scrotal varicocele. It is also associated with the lowest rate of hydrocele formation (less than 5-6 percent). The advantages of microscopic varicocelectomy performed through a subinguinal incision include quick recovery and absence of the risks of laparoscopy, including injury to the bowel and adhesions.
How Soon After Varicocele Repair for Testicular Pain Can a Patient Experience Improvement in Pain?
Most men experience pain resolution shortly after the procedure. Most men have some scrotal discomfort related to surgery for the first few weeks after surgery. Most men who benefit from microscopic varicocelectomy surgery will experience relief from scrotal pain within the first 4-6 weeks after surgery.
Preparation for Varicocele Repair (Varicocelectomy)
We usually perform microscopic varicocelectomy in a surgical center or hospital. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
Diet: Patients need to fast for at least 8 hours prior to the surgery. After the procedure, patients may resume a regular diet.
Medications: Patients are advised to inform the urologist about all the prescription and OTC medications they take. On the morning of the procedure, all medications (except blood thinners) should be taken with a small sip of water. The urologist will discuss if and when blood thinners (Coumadin) need to be stopped in preparation for the surgery.
Shaving: We do not advise patients to shave at home prior to the procedure. If needed, we will shave you in the operating suite. This minimizes the risk of infection.
What to Expect After Varicocele Repair?
Recovery from varicocele repair is fairly quick and relatively painless. Some mild pain or discomfort, slight bruising, and swelling of the scrotum may be present. These signs and symptoms typically disappear completely in 3-4 weeks.
Wound Care: No special wound care is needed. We use resorbable stitches, which are typically absorbed within 3-4 weeks of the procedure. If scrotal swelling is present, it typically goes away 3-4 weeks after microscopic varicocelectomy. Scrotal support is advised for the first 2-3 weeks after varicocele repair.
Activity: We advise patients to avoid strenuous activities, such as weightlifting or running, for 3 weeks after the procedure; after that, activities can be resumed as tolerated.
Return to Work: Patients can usually return to work and their normal routine 2-3 days after microscopic surgery.
Showering: Patients may shower the same day after the procedure.
Beach and Swimming: Patients may go to the beach or swim 2 weeks after the procedure, as long as the incision is healing well.
Sex After Varicocele Repair: We advise no sexual activity for 3 weeks after microscopic varicocelectomy.
Common Risks and Complications of Varicocelectomy
In general, microscopic varicocelectomy has an excellent safety profile. As with any surgical procedure, there are small risks associated with the surgery.
Infection and Hematoma: Microscopic varicocelectomy is associated with a low risk of infection (less than 1 percent) and low risk of bleeding or hematoma (less than 3-5 percent).
Recurrence: The success rate of microscopic varicocelectomy is greater than 95 percent, with a less than 5 percent risk of recurrence.
Infertility: There is a small risk of infertility due to injury to the vas deferens, but this is very rare (occurs in less than 1 percent of patients). Our highly experienced surgeons at New York Urology Specialists take extreme care to identify and preserve the vas deferens and the testicular artery and protect these structures from injury during the surgery.
Hydrocele: Less than 5-6 percent of men develop a clinically significant hydrocele after varicocele repair.
If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-212-204-6300.
We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners. Information for out-of-state and international patients. Find out our office hours or directions to our office.
We offer affordable appointment prices with or without insurance. Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.
Did you know? Dr. Shteynshlyuger has performed over 1,000 penile, scrotal, testicular, kidney, bladder, and prostate surgeries, including testicular implants, hydrocelectomy, varicocelectomy, scrotoplasty, circumcisions, circumcision revisions, frenuloplasty, penile implants, Urolift, prostate enucleation, correction of Peyronie’s disease, and congenital penile curvature. He performs 150-200 penile surgeries a year.
Cost of Scrotal Varicocele Repair without Insurance
At New York Urology Specialists, we offer affordable treatment for men. Our prices are low for patients without insurance and for those who have high insurance copays, high deductibles, or insurance plans that do not cover treatment costs.
At New York Urology Specialists, we offer flat-fee ‘all-cost-included’ procedures such as scrotal and testicular surgery, circumcision, testicular implant, hydrocelectomy, varicocelectomy, and many more. The procedures are performed in our office under local anesthesia or sedation. Men from other states can save thousands of dollars over local hospital fees by coming to New York Urology Specialists for treatment. Please contact us for current prices and discounts for patients without insurance or with high insurance deductibles.
Cost of Treatment and Insurance
At New York Urology Specialists, we offer affordable treatment for men. Our prices are low for patients without insurance and for those who have high insurance copays, high deductibles, or insurance plans that do not cover treatment costs.
We accept many health insurance plans. We would be happy to verify your eligibility and benefits and provide you with detailed information on your health plan’s coverage. Financing options and credit options are available to help you pay for medical care.
Why Choose New York Urology Specialists for Varicocelectomy?
- All treatment is performed by a board-certified urologist experienced in treating men with symptoms of erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, scrotal and testicular problems, premature ejaculation, and urinary problems using medical therapy, minimally invasive therapies, lasers, and surgery.
- We are one of the few practices in the region to offer a full range of options for the treatment of sexual, urinary, and erection problems in men.
- We offer treatment options for testicular pain, penile problems, male infertility, Peyronie’s disease, prostatitis, enlarged prostate, frequent urination, overactive bladder, and prostate cancer in our office. Office procedures avoid the risks, costs, and recovery from general anesthesia.
- We offer diagnostic testing in our office, which avoids hospital costs.
- Extensive experience: Thousands of men have been treated successfully with varicocelectomy, hydrocelectomy, testicular implants, orchiectomy, epididymal cyst removal, scrotoplasty, circumcision, penoscrotal web correction, and spermatic cord denervation.
- Confidential and Understanding Care. We understand that most of our patients desire privacy. We see patients with a variety of urological problems. Your reason for visiting us is entirely confidential.
- We are conveniently located within a 30-60 minute commute to men who are seeking treatment for scrotal swelling, testicular and penile problems, erectile dysfunction, enlarged prostate, urinary problems, and cancer treatment in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester, Long Island, Bronx, and New Jersey.
What do Testicular Problems Look Like?
You can find pictures of circumcision as well as before and after treatment images in our image gallery.
Scheduling Appointments for Testicular Varicocele Repair at New York Urology Specialists
If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-212-204-6300.
We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners. Information for out-of-state and international patients. Find out our office hours or directions to our office.
We offer affordable appointment prices with or without insurance. Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.
Dr. Shteynshlyuger MD is a board-certified urologist in NYC who specializes in treating sexual, testicular, hormonal, urinary, and sexual problems in men. He has performed hundreds of penile and testicular surgeries, including testicular implants, penile implants, varicocelectomy, hydrocelectomy, adult circumcision, circumcision revision, surgery for enlarged prostate, and many other procedures.
Treatment for Men With Fast Recovery at New York Urology Specialists
At New York Urology Specialists, our urologists are specially trained in the evaluation and treatment of men’s health concerns, including sexual problems and urinary problems in men. We understand the challenges that penile problems and testicular problems create for our patients, their relationships, and their self-esteem. We help you find a treatment for penile problems and testicular problems, including appearance concerns, foreskin problems, premature ejaculation, testicular pain, and erectile dysfunction that fit your needs, lifestyle, and preferences.
Urologists are doctors specializing in the treatment of men with sexual problems that include penis problems, scrotal problems, and erectile dysfunction. By virtue of our experience and skill, we are able to offer an effective treatment option for nearly every man who desires an effective treatment for any problem that affects the penis. We offer medical and surgical treatment for men’s sexual problems.
We Treat Some of the Most Complex Men’s Health Problems Including:
- Erectile dysfunction in men for whom oral pills do not work.
- Enlarged prostate
- Penile skin adhesions
- Phimosis Treatment
- Penile Pain During Sex
- Impotence in men with diabetes.
- Premature Ejaculation
- Prostate Cancer.
- Infertility and low sperm count
- Peyronie’s Disease
- Burning during urination
- Premature Ejaculation
- Frequent urination
- Urinary retention
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Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Shteynshlyuger:If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-212-204-6300.
We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners. Information for out-of-state and international patients. Find out our office hours or directions to our office.
We offer affordable appointment prices with or without insurance.
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