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 varicocele pain, testicular shrinkage, and varicocele infertility issues. Varicoceles affect up to 15% of men and are one of the most common causes of male infertility.

Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive, outpatient varicocele treatment performed by an interventional radiologist. Unlike traditional varicocele surgery, a tiny catheter is guided through a vein in the groin or neck to the affected testicular vein. Using coil embolization or a medical-grade solution, the procedure blocks the faulty veins, redirecting blood flow to healthy vessels.

This non-surgical approach relieves varicocele symptoms, improves blood circulation, and helps restore fertility potential without incisions, stitches, or general anesthesia, offering faster recovery than varicocelectomy.

Schedule Appointment

Medical illustration of catheter and coil placement in left internal spermatic vein near left testicle for varicocele treatment.

Key Benefits of Varicocele Embolization

Why choose varicocele embolization over traditional varicocelectomy? Key benefits include:

Minimally Invasive Varicocele Treatment

No large incisions or sutures required

Faster Varicocele Embolization Recovery

Most patients return to work within 24-48 hours

Outpatient Procedure

Same-day discharge with no hospital stay

Less Pain After Treatment

Minimal discomfort compared to surgical varicocele repair

High Success Rate

High patient satisfaction and success rates for symptom relief and improved fertility

Is Varicocele Embolization Right for You?

If you've been diagnosed with a varicocele, you may be comparing varicocele embolization vs surgery options. The best varicocele treatment depends on your symptoms, fertility goals, and overall health.

Varicocele embolization may be right for you if:

You're experiencing varicocele pain, heaviness, or chronic scrotal discomfort that interferes with daily activities
You're facing varicocele infertility issues, including low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal semen analysis linked to bilateral varicocele or left-sided varicocele
You've noticed testicular atrophy or changes in testicle size (common varicocele symptoms)
You've had previous varicocelectomy surgery, but experienced varicocele recurrence
You want a minimally invasive varicocele treatment with faster recovery than traditional varicocele repair

Unlike varicocele surgery, which requires incisions and general anesthesia, embolization is done through a tiny puncture in the skin. This means no stitches, minimal scarring, and faster varicocele embolization recovery. Most patients return to work and exercise within 24-48 hours, making it ideal for men who can't afford extended downtime.

Schedule Appointment Online

Schedule Appointment

Doctors in white coats with stethoscopes reviewing medical records on a clipboard in a clinical setting

Surgeons wearing gloves performing a surgical procedure with medical instruments on patient draped in blue sterile cloth.

Doctor in white coat holding and reassuring elderly male patient in medical office with plant in background

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, varicocele 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 through a small puncture in the groin or neck vein
Using fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance), 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 entire varicocele embolization procedure takes 45-60 minutes. After brief monitoring, you'll be discharged home the same day.

After the Procedure

Varicocele embolization recovery 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.

Reasons To Come To Advanced

Advanced Urology is Georgia's leading provider of high quality, urological care. With 12 clinics and 6 ambulatory surgery centers conveniently located throughout the Atlanta area, Advanced Urology is committed to giving our patients the best experience possible by focusing on innovative treatments, exceptional service, and superior outcomes. Our highly skilled medical professionals work within our state of the art facilities and local hospitals where we are dedicated to making our patients feel comfortable and valued. Our patients are our highest priority, and we pride ourselves in offering exceptional care and service.