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What Is a Varicocele?

A varicocele occurs when the veins in the scrotum become enlarged, much like varicose veins in the legs.
 
This common condition can lead to:

 

A noticeable “bag of worms” feeling within the scrotum.

Dull, aching discomfort or heaviness, particularly after physical activity or standing.
 
Though often harmless, varicoceles can sometimes affect fertility or cause pain that impacts daily life.
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What to Expect: The Procedure

Anaesthesia & Approach

The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthetic using a high-inguinal (sub-inguinal) approach.
This technique avoids penetrating the scrotum itself and reduces the risk of complications.

Duration & Treatment Options

Surgery generally takes 60–90 minutes. We also offer micro-surgical repair using an operating microscope for maximum precision, or endovascular embolisation when appropriate.

Day Case Convenience

Most patients return home the very same day, with no overnight stay required.

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Recovering from Surgery

Downtime

Expect 3–5 days off work. If your job is physically demanding, consider a week’s rest to allow proper healing.

Managing Discomfort

You may feel mild pain or swelling for several days. Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication will be provided.

Support Matters

Wear supportive underwear for comfort over the first week—this helps manage discomfort and swelling.

Return to Activities

Resume gentle walking straight away. Avoid heavy lifting, cycling, or vigorous workouts for at least 2 weeks unless otherwise advised.

Healing Timeline

Swelling and tenderness generally resolve within 1–2 weeks. Full recovery takes several months, during which any varicocele-related issues, like fertility or heaviness, should notably improve.

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Why Choose Surgery?

Surgical intervention may be recommended when:

 

You experience persistent, bothersome scrotal pain or discomfort.

A varicocele is contributing to testicular shrinkage.

Fertility is impacted, e.g., abnormal semen analysis or difficulty conceiving.

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Why Moorgate?

Unlike many aesthetic clinics, Moorgate Andrology offers a medical-led approach. Every patient receives a full clinical consultation with a GMC-registered urologist before treatment.

We take the time to:

  • Understand your personal goals and concerns
  • Assess your medical history and physical anatomy
  • Develop a safe, effective treatment plan tailored to you

If you’re considering a procedure at Moorgate, know that:

  • You’re not alone - these concerns are common.
  • Your reasons are valid - whether emotional or physical.
  • You’ll be supported - from consultation to aftercare.
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Interest Free Finance

Spread the cost of your treatment over one year, no deposit required.

  • Simple two minute application.
  • Affordable monthly payments
  • Quick decision.
  • Application help from our team 
  • Finance available up to £5,000 with Pay It Monthly – no deposit required. 

 

Book a consultation today and find out how you can pay for your treatment in 12 easy installments. 

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Book Your Free Urology Consultation Now

Understanding your treatment options begins with a conversation. By filling in the contact form, you can book a completely free consultation with a Urologist. 

During the call, they’ll:

  • Answer your questions
  • Discuss your goals
  • Explain the treatment process

 

We are committed to giving you clear, expert guidance every step of the way.

Please note that while virtual consultations are free, physical consultations are subject to a non-refundable fee.

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Book A Free Urologist Consultation

Moorgate has a network of nationwide surgeons and centres , simply find your convenient location  below:

Harley Health Village,

64 Harley St, Marylebone, London,W1G 7HB

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Parkhead Consultancy

356 Ecclesall Rd South Sheffield,S11 9PU

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First Trust Hospital

Durton Lane, Broughton, Preston PR3 5LD

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The Osborne Clinic

22 Osborne Avenue, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne , NE2 1JQ

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Frequently Asked Questions

Many men have a varicocele that does not cause them any problems at all. If you are experiencing pain and discomfort in your scrotum , it may need to be treated. If you are concerned about enlarged veins in your scrotum, it would be best to get it checked by a Urologist. In any event you can be assured that they are not dangerous.

We perform varicocele surgery under general anaesthetic. This means you will asleep for the procedure and feel no pain.

This procedure is performed by one of our Specialist Urologists. It is a very common procedure that Urologists see in their daily practice. At Moorgate Andrology both Dr Nenad Djakovic and Dr Gerasimos Fragkoulis perform varicocele surgery.

Yes. Finance can be arranged for varicocele surgery. Finance is available with no deposit and flexible repayment terms. It is easy to apply for the finance for varicocele surgery. Just contact one of our Patient Co-ordinators and they will guide you every step of the way. The application is easy and done online with instant decisions in most cases.

You should arrange to take some time off work. If your job is sedentary then around three to four days off work may be enough. If you have a more physical job then you may need a week off. You should rest for the first few days.

A varicocele is caused by blocked veins that do not allow the blood to flow freely. This causes the veins to become blocked up. This in turn causes the bulging of the veins that you can see in your scrotum.

Sometimes anti-inflammatory drugs can help in reducing inflammation caused by the blockages in the vein. If you have pain or discomfort, then anti-inflammatory medication can be an option. At the end of the day this will not get rid of the varicocele.

You can proceed with sexual activity with a varicocele. However, if you have pain and discomfort these can have an impact on how you feel. In some cases men put off sexual activity due to the embarrassment of the protruding veins in the scrotum, but it does not mean that the varicocele will have any negative impact from usual sexual function

There is evidence to support that a varicocele can have an impact on your sperm. It is possible to have decreased sperm amount, decreased motility of sperm and an increase in the number of sperm that is deformed. If you feel that this is affecting you then you should seek the advice of a Urologist.