"The Leg Pain Clinic is amazing!! I walked out with less pain than I walked in with! Dr. Anwar is amazing and I love his bedside manner!! I didn't want another knee replacement surgery and now I don't have to get one!!"
Varicocele
Minimally invasive varicocele embolization. No surgical incisions, no hospital stay, same-day recovery.
Treatable without surgery
Understanding your condition
Varicocele explained
Varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, similar to varicose veins in the legs, and affects around 15 percent of men in Houston and across the US. It is a leading cause of male infertility and frequently causes persistent scrotal aching, heaviness, or discomfort. Dr. Anwer, a Stanford Fellowship trained interventional radiologist, treats varicocele using minimally invasive embolization, blocking the affected veins through a pinhole incision under local anaesthesia with no hospital stay and same-day recovery. Most patients notice improvement in discomfort within one to two weeks.
Most patients return to normal activity within one to two days, with discomfort reducing over weeks.
Dr. Anwer's approach
Dr. Anwer performs varicocele embolization using X-ray guidance. A thin catheter is inserted through a pinhole in the neck or groin and guided to the varicocele veins. Tiny coils or a sclerosant agent are used to block them. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes with no general anaesthesia.
Treatable without surgery
Key facts
Varicocele embolization performed through a pinhole in the neck or groin
No surgical incisions, no stitches, no hospital stay required
No general anaesthesia required
Outpatient procedure completed in approximately 30 minutes
Most patients return to normal activity within one to two days
Can improve fertility outcomes in men with varicocele-related infertility
Covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans
Treatment overview
Is this the right treatment for you?
Every patient is different. These four areas will help you understand whether Varicocele treatment at LPVI is the right fit.
Who qualifies
Am I a good candidate?
Varicocele embolization is suitable for men with confirmed varicocele causing symptoms such as scrotal aching, heaviness, or a dragging sensation, or men whose varicocele has been identified as a contributing factor to infertility. Candidates typically have varicocele confirmed on scrotal ultrasound. Dr. Anwer reviews your imaging at your first consultation and will confirm whether embolization is the most appropriate treatment for your situation, including fertility goals.
Common symptoms
Symptoms we treat
Varicocele symptoms are often subtle but can affect quality of life and fertility. The most common symptom is a dull aching or heavy sensation in the scrotum that worsens after prolonged standing or activity, and eases when lying down. Some men notice a visible or palpable mass of enlarged veins on the left side of the scrotum, often described as feeling like a bag of worms. Varicocele is also a leading cause of male infertility, affecting sperm production and quality. If you have these symptoms in Houston, a consultation with Dr. Anwer is worthwhile.
What to expect
The procedure
Dr. Anwer performs varicocele embolization as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia. A thin catheter is inserted through a pinhole in the neck or groin and guided using real-time X-ray imaging to the varicocele veins. Tiny coils or a sclerosant solution are then delivered to block the veins, causing them to close and the varicocele to shrink. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. There are no surgical incisions, no stitches, no general anaesthesia, and no overnight hospital stay.
After treatment
Recovery and results
Recovery from varicocele embolization at LPVI is one of its key advantages over surgical repair. Most patients go home the same day and return to normal daily activity within one to two days. Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for about one week. Some mild groin or scrotal discomfort in the first day or two is normal and managed with standard pain relief. Scrotal aching and heaviness improve gradually over two to four weeks as the embolized veins close completely. Dr. Anwer will schedule a follow-up review to confirm the outcome.
Your treatment starts here
What's holding
What's holding
you back?
You may have more options than you've been told. Answer four quick questions and our engine matches you to the right minimally invasive treatment and connects you directly with Dr. Anwer.
This information is not a medical diagnosis. A consultation with Dr. Anwer will confirm your treatment options. Individual results may vary.
Do any of these sound familiar?
Common symptoms
You do not need all of these. Even two or three are worth discussing with Dr. Anwer at your first consultation.
Dull aching or heaviness in the scrotum, worse after standing
Scrotal discomfort that eases when lying down
Visible or palpable enlarged veins on the left side of the scrotum
Discomfort that worsens after exercise or physical activity
Fertility concerns or abnormal semen analysis results
Scrotal symptoms confirmed as varicocele on ultrasound
Our approach
How Dr. Anwer treats varicocele
Dr. Anwer performs varicocele embolization using X-ray guidance. A thin catheter is inserted through a pinhole in the neck or groin and guided to the varicocele veins. Tiny coils or a sclerosant agent are used to block them. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes with no general anaesthesia.
Consultation with Dr. Anwer, scrotal ultrasound review
Personalised embolization plan, procedure date confirmed
Outpatient embolization, 30 minutes, local anaesthesia only
Same-day discharge, follow-up review in four to six weeks
Why choose this approach
Minimally invasive vs conventional treatment
Conventional approach
Surgical varicocele repair, or varicocelectomy, involves ligating the affected veins under general or spinal anaesthesia with a recovery of two to four weeks and risks including hydrocele formation and recurrence.
- Major surgery or invasive procedure
- General anaesthesia required
- Hospital stay of 1 to 5 days
- Recovery of 4 to 12 weeks
Dr. Anwer's approach at LPVI
Dr. Anwer closes the varicocele veins through a pinhole incision under X-ray guidance. No general anaesthesia, no surgical incisions, no hospital stay. Most patients return to normal activity within one to two days with minimal discomfort.
- Outpatient, no hospital admission
- Light sedation or local anaesthesia
- Pinhole incision, no stitches
- Same-day or next-day recovery
Varicocele is straightforward to treat with embolization and the results are excellent. Many men have lived with the discomfort for years not knowing a non-surgical option exists. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and most patients are back to normal within two days.
Patient stories
What our patients are saying
5.0
Based on Google reviews
"Dr. Bilal very professional and awesome physician. My left knee pain went down from 9 to 3. Front staff, nurses, OR staff all were amazing and very professional."
"Brought my mother in law to get help with her knees. She literally could not walk. After procedure she walked to car with minimal discomfort. Each day is getting better and better. I rate the entire place 10 of 10."
"Fantastic doctor, very thorough, explained everything. Staff is outstanding!!! I first heard of them via Facebook and after looking more into it I saw they can treat shoulder pain too. I feel great after my procedure."
"Doctor Anwer and his staff is totally awesome, they are very kind and respectful. Dr. Anwer does amazing work. I love them all."
"Excellent staff and doctor! Excellent care and caring!!! I would recommend this clinic to anyone who is looking for a caring, professional medical team."
"My husband thinks very highly of the doctor. The entire experience from start to finish was professional and compassionate."
"Sabrena Cummings: Fantastic doctor very thorough explained everything. Staff is outstanding!!!"
"The Leg Pain Clinic is amazing!! I walked out with less pain than I walked in with! Dr. Anwar is amazing and I love his bedside manner!! I didn't want another knee replacement surgery and now I don't have to get one!!"
"Dr. Bilal very professional and awesome physician. My left knee pain went down from 9 to 3. Front staff, nurses, OR staff all were amazing and very professional."
"Brought my mother in law to get help with her knees. She literally could not walk. After procedure she walked to car with minimal discomfort. Each day is getting better and better. I rate the entire place 10 of 10."
"Fantastic doctor, very thorough, explained everything. Staff is outstanding!!! I first heard of them via Facebook and after looking more into it I saw they can treat shoulder pain too. I feel great after my procedure."
"Doctor Anwer and his staff is totally awesome, they are very kind and respectful. Dr. Anwer does amazing work. I love them all."
"Excellent staff and doctor! Excellent care and caring!!! I would recommend this clinic to anyone who is looking for a caring, professional medical team."
"My husband thinks very highly of the doctor. The entire experience from start to finish was professional and compassionate."
"Sabrena Cummings: Fantastic doctor very thorough explained everything. Staff is outstanding!!!"
FAQ
Common questions about Varicocele
Yes. Varicocele embolization is covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans in Houston when varicocele has been confirmed on ultrasound and is causing symptoms or contributing to infertility. Our team at LPVI will verify your specific coverage and confirm prior authorisation requirements before your consultation. Call us on 713-242-1139 and we will check your benefits and answer any questions about varicocele treatment costs in Houston.
Recovery from varicocele embolization at LPVI is quick. Most patients go home the same day and return to normal daily activity within one to two days. Strenuous activity should be avoided for about one week. Scrotal aching and heaviness improve progressively over two to four weeks as the embolized veins close. Dr. Anwer will arrange a follow-up review to confirm the outcome and assess your response to treatment.
Yes. Varicocele is a leading cause of male infertility and treating it can improve sperm count, motility, and morphology in many men. Embolization has comparable fertility outcomes to surgical repair. The improvement in sperm parameters typically becomes apparent over three to six months after treatment as sperm production recovers. Dr. Anwer will discuss your fertility goals at your consultation and can coordinate care with your fertility specialist if needed.
Untreated varicocele can worsen over time, with scrotal discomfort and heaviness typically increasing. In men with fertility concerns, ongoing varicocele can progressively impair sperm production and quality. Research suggests that varicocele can also cause gradual testicular atrophy in some men if left untreated long term. For men experiencing symptoms or fertility issues, early minimally invasive treatment at LPVI is a straightforward and effective option.
Surgical varicocelectomy involves ligating the affected veins under general or spinal anaesthesia, with a recovery of two to four weeks and a small risk of hydrocele formation or recurrence. Varicocele embolization at LPVI blocks the veins through a pinhole in the neck or groin under local anaesthesia, with same-day discharge and a return to normal activity within one to two days. There are no surgical incisions and no general anaesthesia. Fertility and symptom outcomes are comparable between the two approaches.
Most patients notice a reduction in scrotal aching and heaviness within two to four weeks after varicocele embolization as the treated veins close. Some patients experience earlier improvement, while others notice the full benefit over six to eight weeks. For men seeking fertility improvement, sperm parameter changes typically become measurable over three to six months. Dr. Anwer will monitor your progress at a follow-up review. Most patients at LPVI in Houston report significant symptom improvement within the first two months.
Coverage
We accept most major insurance plans
Dr. Anwer treats varicocele at LPVI clinics in Houston and Webster, serving men from Sugar Land, Katy, Pearland, The Woodlands, and League City. Varicocele embolization is an outpatient procedure with same-day recovery, covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans. Men across Greater Houston choose Dr. Anwer because he is Stanford Fellowship trained and offers a genuinely non-surgical alternative to varicocelectomy with comparable outcomes.
Take the next step
Ready to treat your varicocele without surgery?
Speak with Dr. Anwer about your varicocele. Same-day appointments available. Most insurance accepted.
This information is not a medical diagnosis. A consultation with Dr. Anwer will confirm your treatment options. Individual results may vary.