{"id":5956,"date":"2026-06-28T20:42:49","date_gmt":"2026-06-28T19:42:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beleyurologie.fr\/besoins-dun-patient-urologie-sebastien-beley\/varicocele"},"modified":"2026-09-26T16:33:25","modified_gmt":"2026-09-26T15:33:25","slug":"varicocele","status":"publish","type":"besoin_patient","link":"https:\/\/www.beleyurologie.fr\/en\/besoins-urologie\/varicocele","title":{"rendered":"Varicocele"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Understanding and treating scrotal vein dilation A varicocele is an abnormal dilation of the veins located in the scrotum, above the testicles. It is often compared to varicose veins in\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":3880,"menu_order":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-5956","besoin_patient","type-besoin_patient","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"beley_subtitle":"Understanding and treating scrotal vein dilation","beley_intro":"A varicocele is an abnormal dilation of the veins located in the scrotum, above the testicles. It is often compared to varicose veins in the legs and can cause pain, discomfort, or even fertility problems.","beley_related_expertises":"","beley_related_besoins":"","beley_card_excerpt":"Dilation of the veins in the scrotum can hinder and impair fertility, and is treatable by embolization or surgery.","beley_form_shortcode":"","beley_primary_label":"consultation appointment","beley_primary_url":"https:\/\/www.doctolib.fr\/chirurgien-urologue\/paris\/sebastien-beley","beley_secondary_label":"surgery appointment","beley_secondary_url":"https:\/\/www.beleyurologie.fr\/rdv-chirurgie-urologique-sebastien-beley","beley_card_image":3881,"beley_hero_image":3881,"beley_videos":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=aKs3Yq-GVhY","title":"Patient Journey"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=RrFCHLMRGgQ","title":"How is a varicocele diagnosed?"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=j9HKRvfKyPQ","title":"Who needs surgery in the case of a varicocele?"}],"beley_video_eyebrow":"","beley_video_section_title":"","beley_video_section_text":"","beley_faq_title":"FAQ \u2013 Frequently Asked Questions","beley_faq_items":[{"question":"What is a varicocele?","answer":"A varicocele is a dilation of the veins in the spermatic cord, similar to varicose veins, most often located on the left side. It is common (approximately 15% of men) and can cause a feeling of heaviness in the testicle or go completely unnoticed."},{"question":"Can a varicocele affect fertility?","answer":"Yes. By increasing testicular temperature, a varicocele can impair sperm production and quality. It is one of the most common causes of male infertility, and treatment can improve sperm counts."},{"question":"When should a varicocele be treated?","answer":"Treatment is indicated in cases of persistent pain, infertility with abnormal sperm counts, or testicular atrophy in adolescents. An asymptomatic varicocele without any significant impact usually only requires monitoring."},{"question":"How does the treatment proceed?","answer":"There are two main options: embolization via interventional radiology, without incision, and surgical ligation of the veins, often performed under a microscope. Both are done on an outpatient basis with a rapid recovery."}],"beley_sidebar_rdv_title":"","beley_doctor_band_title":"","beley_doctor_band_text":"","beley_doctor_band_points":null,"beley_doctor_band_image":"","beley_page_cta_title":"","beley_page_cta_text":"","beley_closing_highlights":null,"beley_blocks":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text_block","eyebrow":"","title":"Introduction","content":"Left untreated, it can impact sperm quality and reduce the chances of conception.\n\nThe good news is that solutions exist. Appropriate treatment can relieve symptoms and improve male fertility."},{"acf_fc_layout":"image_text_block","eyebrow":"","title":"What is a varicocele?","content":"A <strong>varicocele<\/strong> is caused by a malfunction of the valves in the spermatic <strong>veins<\/strong> , leading to blood reflux and stagnation of warm blood in the testicles. <strong>Some statistics:<\/strong><ul><li> 15% of men are affected by varicocele.<\/li><li> 40% of infertile men are affected.<\/li><li> It often appears during adolescence and evolves gradually.<\/li><li> It is more common on the left (80-90% of cases).<\/li><\/ul>","image":1731},{"acf_fc_layout":"video_section_block","eyebrow":"","title":"S\u00e9bastien Beley - Patient journey in practice","text":"","video_url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=aKs3Yq-GVhY"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image_text_block","eyebrow":"","title":"What are the symptoms of a varicocele?","content":"In 80% of cases, <strong>varicocele<\/strong> is asymptomatic and discovered by chance during a medical examination or infertility assessment.<ul><li> A feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the scrotum<\/li><li> Testicular pain (worsened when standing or after physical exertion)<\/li><li> Smaller <strong>testicle<\/strong> on the affected side<\/li><li> Fertility problems (altered sperm count: decreased sperm count and quality)<\/li><li> Visible or palpable <strong>veins<\/strong> in the scrotum (\"worm sac\")<\/li><\/ul> Symptoms often worsen at the end of the day or after standing for a long time.","image":3881},{"acf_fc_layout":"image_text_block","eyebrow":"","title":"What are the causes?","content":"It is primarily caused by poor venous circulation in the testicles. Factors contributing to its development:<ul><li> Congenital defect of the venous valves (leading to blood reflux)<\/li><li> Compression of the spermatic <strong>veins<\/strong> (anatomy of the left kidney promoting blood accumulation)<\/li><li> Excessive abdominal pressure (intense physical exertion, chronic constipation\u2026)<\/li><\/ul> <strong>Varicocele<\/strong> often appears during adolescence and can develop over several years.","image":1732},{"acf_fc_layout":"video_section_block","eyebrow":"Expertise","title":"How to diagnose a varicocele","text":"","video_url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=RrFCHLMRGgQ"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_block","eyebrow":"","title":"Impact on fertility and male health","content":"If left untreated, it can cause:<ul><li> Sperm alteration (fewer sperm count and reduced motility)<\/li><li> Increased testicular temperature (impaired spermatogenesis)<\/li><li> Decreased testosterone levels (fatigue, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction)<\/li><li> Testicular hypotrophy (reduction in testicular volume)<\/li><li> Troublesome chronic pain<\/li><\/ul> The treatment helps to restore better sperm production and improve fertility."},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_block","eyebrow":"","title":"What solutions exist?","content":"<strong>Monitoring and drug treatment (mild cases)<\/strong><ul><li> NSAIDs (anti-inflammatories): relieve pain.<\/li><li> Wearing support briefs: limits the feeling of heaviness.<\/li><li> Avoid prolonged standing and excessive exertion.<\/li><\/ul> Indicated if the varicocele is asymptomatic and does not affect fertility. <strong>Varicocele embolization (minimally invasive treatment)<\/strong><ul><li> Technique performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis.<\/li><li> A catheter is inserted into a vein to block the dilated spermatic vein and redirect blood to other healthy <strong>veins<\/strong> .<\/li><li> No incision, quick recovery (1-2 days).<\/li><\/ul> Recommended solution for persistent pain or impaired fertility: <strong>Varicocele surgery (varicocelectomy).<\/strong><ul><li> Performed under general or local anesthesia.<\/li><li> Ligation of abnormal veins to stop reflux.<\/li><li> High success rate (90%) and improved fertility in 40-60% of cases.<\/li><\/ul> Recommended if it causes proven infertility or significant pain."},{"acf_fc_layout":"video_section_block","eyebrow":"Experience","title":"Who needs surgery in the case of a varicocele?","text":"","video_url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=j9HKRvfKyPQ"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_block","eyebrow":"","title":"Why consult a specialist?","content":"A urologist will be able to:<ul><li> Confirm the diagnosis with a clinical examination and testicular Doppler ultrasound<\/li><li> Assess the impact on fertility with a sperm analysis<\/li><li> Determine if treatment is necessary based on symptoms and the desire for a child.<\/li><\/ul> Early diagnosis helps prevent the condition from worsening and preserves fertility."},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_block","eyebrow":"","title":"Patient Journey","content":"Let me introduce you to the typical patient journey, my approach to urology, and how I work."},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_block","eyebrow":"","title":"Are you suffering from testicular pain or unexplained infertility?","content":"Don't let a <strong>varicocele<\/strong> affect your well-being and fertility.<ul><li> Urology Clinic Paris Op\u00e9ra \u2013 Paris 17th<\/li><li> In-person or teleconsultation<\/li><li> Book your appointment today<\/li><\/ul>"}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beleyurologie.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/besoin_patient\/5956","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beleyurologie.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/besoin_patient"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beleyurologie.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/besoin_patient"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.beleyurologie.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/besoin_patient\/5956\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6331,"href":"https:\/\/www.beleyurologie.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/besoin_patient\/5956\/revisions\/6331"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beleyurologie.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5956"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}