u/New-Specific-7028

I had a left-sided varicocele embolization done previously, but it wasn’t fully successful. During the procedure, the doctor discovered that my anatomy is unfavorable — my kidney pulls the spermatic veins in a way that creates a 90-degree angle, making catheter access very difficult. He attempted twice before he could partially complete the procedure.
A recent ultrasound showed that the left varicocele is still present (though slightly improved from 3.0 mm to 2.5 mm), and I still experience pain — especially when walking, standing for long periods, during/after ejaculation, and it gets worse in hot weather.
Given that a repeat embolization is unlikely to succeed due to the same anatomical issue, I’m now considering microsurgical varicocelectomy as my next option, primarily for pain relief.