Which individual with a Varicocele should be treated?

If one has symptoms, then a scrotal support should be worn. Varicocele is not life threatening nor is it an emergency; one should never be rushed into surgery. Varicocele surgery is purely an elective procedure and should be done after giving it a lot of thought. If the Varicocele is small and one has no symptoms or problems with fertility, just leave it alone.

Repair of a Varicocele is indicated when the couple has documented infertility and abnormal semen has been demonstrated.

Repair should be done when there is a significant discrepancy in size between the two testes.
Just having a Varicocele does not mean that you need surgery. Never go to a surgeon who recommends surgery without documenting that you have problems with semen.

What are surgical options for treatment of a varicocele?

There are three options to treat a varicocele and include:

-       Open surgical varicocele repair

-       angiographic embolization- highly recommended

-       laparoscopic method