Minimally Invasive Varicocele Embolizations near Houston

If you’re dealing with discomfort, swelling, or fertility issues from a varicocele, chances are you’ve already heard the usual advice: “Try surgery,” or worse, “It’s not that serious.” At Texas I.R., we hear from men every week who feel dismissed, frustrated, or unsure of what to do next. That’s why our Katy varicocele clinic offers a different approach—one built on less risk, more comfort, and proven results.

Led by experienced interventional radiologist, Dr. Rafiei, and built around your comfort, we treat varicoceles with embolizations to target the issue at the source, with only a tiny incision and no hospital recovery. It’s performed right here in Katy by a doctor for varicocele patients who want clarity, confidence, and care that puts your quality of life first.

Schedule a Consultation

Scrotal Varicocele Treatments in Katy

Varicoceles Deserve More Attention Than They Get

Too many men live with the discomfort or frustration of a varicocele without realizing how common or treatable it actually is. At Texas I.R., we take the time to explain your options and offer real solutions, not dismissals. Here’s what you should know:

%

Up to 15% of men will develop a varicocele during their lifetime

%

35%-40% of men with diagnosed infertility have a varicocele

Varicoceles are most common in men ages 15–35

What You Need to Know About Varicocele

What is a Varicocele

A varicocele is a group of enlarged veins in the scrotum, similar to varicose veins in the legs. They usually form when valves inside the veins don’t function properly, causing blood to pool and pressure to build up. Over time, this can lead to testicular discomfort, swelling, and even fertility issues. Varicoceles usually develop on the left side and are most common in teens and younger adult men, but can affect males of all ages. If you’ve been diagnosed with a varicocele—or just suspect something isn’t right—our Katy varicocele clinic can help you find answers and options that don’t involve invasive surgery.

Common Varicocele Symptoms

Varicocele symptoms vary. Some men feel nothing at all, while others notice persistent pain or heaviness in the scrotum, especially after standing or exercising. Symptoms may include:

  • A dull, aching sensation in one or both testicles
  • Noticeable swelling or a “bag of worms” texture
  • Testicular shrinkage or asymmetry
  • Visible or enlarged veins in the scrotum
  • Fertility issues or low sperm count

If symptoms get worse throughout the day or improve when lying down, that may be a sign it’s time to speak with a varicocele specialist.

Causes & Risk Factors

Most varicoceles develop due to faulty vein valves that disrupt normal blood flow. When blood backs up, it causes the veins in the pampiniform plexus to dilate. This is more likely to happen on the left side due to anatomical differences in how the testicular veins drain.
Contributing risk factors include:

  • Being in your teens or 20s (the most common age range for diagnosis)
  • Being tall or having a low body mass index (BMI)
  • Prolonged standing or heavy lifting
  • Family history of varicose and spider veins or vascular issues

What Happens If Varicocele Is Left Untreated

While not always dangerous, untreated varicoceles can lead to complications over time. These include:

  • Progressive testicular pain or discomfort
  • Testicular atrophy (shrinkage)
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Decreased sperm quality or count
  • Difficulty achieving pregnancy

If you’ve noticed new symptoms or your discomfort is interfering with daily life, it may be time to explore treatment with a Katy-based varicocele doctor who specializes in non-surgical options.

Varicocele Embolization

A Non-Surgical Varicocele Treatment Near Houston That Works

At Texas I.R. in Katy, varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive treatment performed in our outpatient clinic. Through a tiny entry in the wrist or groin, a catheter is guided with live X-Ray imaging to seal the abnormal veins and relieve pressure. Once inside the faulty vein, small metallic coils and a special liquid agent are injected into the vein to close it off. Afterward, the IV catheter is removed with a small bandage applied to the vein entry site.

There are no scrotal incisions, no hospital stay, and most patients return to routine activities within days. Our state-of-the-art varicocele clinic cares for men from Katy and the greater Houston area who want relief, discretion, and a clear plan from a varicocele doctor who listens.

The results speak for themselves. A long-term study published in SpringerOpen reported about a 13% recurrence rate, complications under 2%, and a 51% successful conception rate after embolization. A separate study showed 88% technical success overall, including 91% for left-sided varicoceles, with roughly 70% of men reporting meaningful pain relief. For men looking for minimally invasive varicocele treatment options in Katy or Houston, an embolization is a proven alternative to surgery with less downtime and more control.

Let's Get Started

Contact Texas IR today to discuss your treatment options.

Schedule a Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Is varicocele treatment covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, typically cover varicocele treatment when it’s medically necessary. Our team will help verify your benefits up front, so you know exactly what to expect before moving forward.
How soon will I notice results after my varicocele treatment?
Relief varies with some men feeling improvement within weeks, while others notice gradual changes over a few months. Fertility improvements may take longer, but the goal is lasting relief, not just a quick fix.
How long does a varicocele embolization take?
Our varicocele treatments typically last 45–90 minutes, plus a short recovery before going home the same day.
What is recovery like after a varicocele embolization?
Most men are able to return to light activity within a few days, with full recovery usually taking about a week. You may notice some mild discomfort or swelling early on, but these symptoms typically improve quickly. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for a short period, but most daily routines, including work can be resumed soon after treatment. Sexual activity is also safe to resume once cleared by your varicocele doctor, usually after a brief recovery window (around a week for most men).

Texas I.R. is the Best Option for Varicocele Treatment in Houston

At Texas I.R. & Interventional Oncology, we understand that seeking treatment for a varicocele can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve built our Katy varicocele clinic around comfort, discretion, and results. Led by Dr. Poyan Rafiei, a board-certified interventional radiologist with extensive experience in minimally invasive procedures, we give men a trusted alternative to surgery with care that prioritizes your health and peace of mind.

Over 10,000 Image-Guided Procedures

Our varicocele specialist, Dr. Rafiei, has performed over 10,000 image-guided procedures, giving patients confidence that they’re in skilled, steady hands.

Outpatient & Comfortable

Our Katy office offers private, streamlined treatment without the stress of hospital corridors or long recoveries.

Advanced Precision Imaging

Texas I.R.’s varicocele doctor uses live X-ray technology to guide every embolization, targeting the problem veins with maximum accuracy and minimizing risk.

Care That Puts You First

From consultation to recovery, our team listens, explains, and ensures you feel supported at every step of your treatment.

Find Your Way to Better Health

At Texas IR in Katy, we’re committed to offering personalized, non-surgical treatment for scrotal varicocele repair for Houston area patients that prioritizes your comfort and well-being. Our Katy office provides compassionate care with minimally invasive varicocele embolizations for patients across Houston, Sugar Land, Richmond, Fulshear, and other nearby communities. Whether you’re seeking fast recovery with our non-surgical embolization treatments or looking for personalized care in a comfortable, outpatient setting, we’re here to make the process easy. Schedule your consultation today and experience care tailored to your needs.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Living with the discomfort, swelling, or uncertainty of a varicocele doesn’t have to be your norm. At Texas I.R. in Katy, we make it easy to get answers and explore non-surgical varicocele treatment options that fit your life and your goals. Dr. Rafiei and our team provide discreet, compassionate care for patients across Katy, Houston, and the surrounding communities.

Schedule your consultation today and discover a better way forward with a varicocele specialist who puts your health first.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.