Varicocele Specialist in Salt Lake City, UT
Our board-certified urologist in Salt Lake Coty, Dr. William Brant, MD, FACS, FECSM, offers comprehensive diagnostic services and minimally invasive surgical repair for varicoceles at his men’s health clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah. Varicoceles, which affect about 15% of the male population, can lead to scrotal pain and infertility if left untreated. Dr. Brant is an expert in male sexual health and a member of multiple medical organizations, including the American Urological Association, the Sexual Medicine Society, and the Society of Urologic Prosthetic Surgeons. With over 100 works authored, including various chapters in 6 textbooks of Urology, Dr. Brant provides patients with the latest advancements in varicocele treatment. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Brant today to take the first step towards optimal male sexual health.
To find out more about varicocele treatments, contact our men’s health clinic in Salt Lake City at (801) 965-2767.
What is a varicocele?
A varicocele is a group of veins within the scrotum that become enlarged due to insufficient blood circulation. Similar to varicose veins in the leg, varicoceles are relatively common.
The insufficient blood flow may stem from dysfunction in the valves that prevent blood from flowing backward in the veins. The backflow of blood pools in the vein and leads to the enlargement.
Varicoceles typically develop in the veins on the left side of the scrotum due to their position and are especially common during puberty.
What are the symptoms of a varicocele?
You can have a varicocele without any symptoms. However, the enlargement of the vein can become painful.
Many men experience a dull, heavy ache that worsens after strenuous activity or sharp pain that causes persistent discomfort. As the veins grow larger, you may also notice visible lumps or swelling in your scrotum. The visibly enlarged veins sometimes resemble a bag of worms.
For some men, varicoceles may be a factor in infertility, as they can cause low sperm production or affect the quality of your sperm. You may also experience a shrinking of your testicles.
How is a varicocele diagnosed?
If you have noticeable changes or pain in your scrotum, you shouldn’t delay getting an evaluation at the men’s health clinic of William Brant, MD, FACS, FECSM.
You should also schedule a consultation if you and your partner are having difficulty achieving a pregnancy, and you have concerns about infertility.
Dr. Brant can usually confirm varicocele during a physical exam of the scrotum and may request an ultrasound of the area to rule out other conditions.
How is a varicocele treated?
If you have a varicocele without any pain or other disruptive symptoms, you may not need any treatment. Dr. Brant can carefully monitor your condition to ensure the enlarged veins don’t become bothersome.
If you have a noticeably smaller testicle on the side where the varicocele is that feels squishy, Dr. Brant can determine if you need treatment to prevent further injury to your testicle.
Treating a varicocele often involves a subinguinal microscopic approach. Through a very small incision in the lower part of your groin, Dr. Brant uses a high-powered microscope to identify the enlarged veins without harming the surrounding structures. He seals off the enlarged vein and the flow of blood reroutes to nearby, healthier veins.
Dr. Brant provides aftercare instructions to ensure you heal without complications. He also offers follow-up care to assess whether the varicocele repair helped improve sperm production and your infertility issues.
Schedule a Consultation for Varicoceles in Salt Lake City
If you’re experiencing pain or swelling in your scrotum, it’s important to schedule a consultation with a qualified urologist to check for a varicocele, which can lead to infertility if left untreated. In Salt Lake City, Dr. William Brant, a board-certified urologist in Salt Lake City and expert in male sexual health, offers a thorough diagnostic evaluation and state-of-the-art treatment options for varicoceles using minimally invasive techniques. Don’t suffer in silence – take the first step towards optimal male sexual health and schedule your consultation today by calling (801) 965-2767 or using the online booking feature.