Varicocele Embolization
What is Varicocele
Embolization?
A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, similar to varicose veins in the legs. These swollen veins can cause pain, testicular shrinkage, and infertility in men. Varicoceles are one of the most common causes of male infertility and affect up to 15% of men.
Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. Instead of open surgery, a tiny catheter is guided through a vein in the groin or neck to the affected testicular vein. A special coil or medical-grade solution is used to block (embolize) the faulty veins, redirecting blood flow to healthy veins.
This approach relieves pressure, improves blood circulation, and helps restore fertility potential without the need for stitches or general anesthesia.
Key benefits of Varicocele Embolization:
Some key benefits of the procedure include:
- Minimally Invasive – no large incisions or sutures
- Short Recovery Time – most patients return to normal activities within 24-48 hours
- Outpatient Procedure – no hospital stay required
- Less pain and scarring compared to open varicocelectomy surgery
- High patient satisfaction and success rates for symptom relief and improved fertility
Is Varicocele Embolization Right for You?
If you have been diagnosed with a varicocele, you may be wondering whether embolization is the best treatment option. The answer depends on your symptoms, goals, and overall health.
Varicocele embolization may be right for you if:
You are experiencing chronic scrotal pain, heaviness, or discomfort that interferes with daily life
You and your partner are facing fertility challenges, and your doctor has linked low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal semen analysis to a varicocele.
You have noticed testicular shrinkage (atrophy) or changes in testicle size.
You previously had varicocele surgery but symptoms returned.
You are looking for a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery with faster recovery, less pain, and fewer risks.
Unlike open surgery, which requires an incision, embolization is done through a tiny puncture in the skin. This means no stitches, less scarring, and a shorter downtime. Many men choose embolization because it allows them to get back to work, exercise, and family life quickly, usually within 24–48 hours.
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The Varicocele Embolization Procedure
Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive treatment for varicoceles, a common condition in men that can cause scrotal pain, testicular atrophy, and infertility. Instead of traditional surgery, this outpatient procedure uses advanced imaging to block the abnormal veins and restore healthy blood flow. With less pain, no large incisions, and a faster recovery, varicocele embolization has become a preferred alternative to surgical varicocelectomy.
Before the Procedure
Before varicocele embolization, you will meet with one of our board-certified interventional radiologists for a consultation. During this visit, we will:
Review your medical history, symptoms, and fertility goals.
Perform a physical exam and imaging studies, such as an ultrasound, to confirm the presence of a varicocele.
Discuss the procedure in detail, answer your questions, and provide instructions about eating, drinking, and medications before your appointment.
Because varicocele embolization is typically done under local anesthesia with mild sedation, you won’t need to prepare for general anesthesia. Most patients go home the same day.
During the Procedure
On the day of your varicocele embolization, you will be made comfortable in our outpatient surgical suite. Here’s what you can expect:
Sedation and local anesthesia are administered to keep you relaxed and comfortable.
A tiny catheter is inserted into a vein, usually in the groin or neck.
Using advanced X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), the interventional radiologist directs the catheter to the affected testicular vein.
Special coils or a medical solution (sclerosing agent) are placed to block the faulty vein, rerouting blood flow to healthy veins.
The catheter is removed, and only a small bandage is applied with no stitches required.
The procedure usually takes 45–60 minutes, and patients are monitored briefly before being discharged home.
After the Procedure
Recovery after varicocele embolization is typically quick and comfortable. Most men return to light activity the same day and resume normal activities within 24–48 hours. Some patients may experience mild soreness at the catheter site or in the groin, which usually resolves quickly.
Benefits after the procedure often include:
Reduced scrotal pain and heaviness within weeks.
Improved semen quality and fertility in 3–6 months.
No visible scars or long-term restrictions.
Follow-up visits may include imaging or semen analysis to track results and ensure long-term success.