Varicocele
Varicocele embolization is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment that relieves discomfort and may help restore fertility potential.
What Is a Varicocele?
A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum (the pampiniform plexus). It’s similar to varicose veins in the legs, but it affects the testicles.
How common is it?
- Affects up to 15% of men overall
- Present in up to 40% of men with infertility
- Often develops during puberty but may go unnoticed until adulthood
Common symptoms include:
- Aching or heaviness in the scrotum, especially after standing
- Visible or enlarged veins in the scrotum
- Testicular shrinkage (atrophy)
- Fertility challenges due to impaired sperm quality
Why Treat a Varicocele?
Many men live with varicoceles without major issues. However, treatment is recommended if you have:
- Pain or discomfort that interferes with daily life
- Fertility concerns (varicoceles can lower sperm count and quality)
- Testicular shrinkage (atrophy)
- Abnormal semen analysis results
Without treatment, varicoceles may worsen over time and increase the risk of infertility.
What Is Varicocele Embolization?
Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery (varicocelectomy). Using imaging guidance, an interventional radiologist places a thin catheter into the affected veins and blocks abnormal blood flow using coils, plugs, or tiny particles.
Why men choose embolization:
- Outpatient procedure — no hospital stay
- Quicker recovery compared to surgery
- No incision in the scrotum
- High success rates for symptom and fertility improvement
How Does Embolization Work?
Here’s what the process looks like:
- Consultation: We review your symptoms, perform imaging or ultrasound, and confirm that embolization is right for you.
- Procedure: A small catheter is inserted through a vein in the groin or neck. Under X-ray guidance, it’s advanced to the varicocele veins.
- Treatment: Coils or particles are placed to block abnormal blood flow, redirecting circulation to healthy veins.
- Recovery: You’ll go home the same day. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days.
Varicocele Embolization vs. Surgery
| Embolization | Surgical Varicocelectomy | |
| Hospital Stay | Outpatient, home same day | Often outpatient, sometimes longer |
| Recovery | A few days | 2–3 weeks |
| Incisions | Tiny catheter puncture | Scrotal or abdominal incision |
| Risk of Hydrocele (fluid
collection) |
Rare | More common |
| Effectiveness | High | High |
| Fertility Improvement | Similar outcomes | Similar outcomes |
What to Expect
Before
We’ll review your medical history, semen analysis (if available), and perform a scrotal ultrasound to confirm diagnosis.
During
The procedure takes about 1 hour under light sedation. You’ll be comfortable, and only a small puncture site (no stitches) is needed.
After
- Most men return to work or school in 1–2 days
- Mild soreness may occur for a few days
- Fertility parameters often improve over 3–6 months
- Pain relief is typically rapid and long-lasting
Is Varicocele Embolization Right for You?
This treatment may be ideal if you:
- Experience scrotal pain or heaviness that interferes with life
- Have been diagnosed with infertility linked to varicocele
- Want to avoid surgery and prefer a minimally invasive option
- Have had recurrence after previous surgery (embolization is often used in these cases)