Varicocele is a frequent disorder and one of the main reasons for male infertility. However, the vast majority of men are still told that surgical intervention is the only option available to them.
To be more precise, surgical varicocelectomy may yield results but present its own issues. Modern advances in treatment have yielded non-surgical options. One such treatment is known as varicocele embolization, a non-invasive varicocele treatment that does not involve cutting, suturing, or prolonging the healing process.
What Is a Varicocele?
A varicocele is a condition that affects the scrotum, in which the blood vessels become enlarged owing to the malfunctioning of valves in the veins that prevent normal blood flow. The condition is similar to having varicose veins in the legs, and it is estimated that around 15% of males are affected by this condition, and the number can rise to 40% in men who are evaluated for infertility.
Most commonly, varicoceles form during the teenage years but can go unnoticed until they are discovered or there are fertility concerns.
Some of the symptoms associated with varicocele include:
- A dull or aching scrotal pain
- Heaviness or discomfort that worsens with standing or exercise
- Testicular shrinkage or asymmetry
- Abnormal semen analysis results
- Difficulty conceiving
Varicocele and Male Infertility
Varicocele causes infertility primarily by increasing testicular temperature, which impairs sperm production (spermatogenesis) and quality, leading to lower sperm count, poor motility, and abnormal shapes, though theories also involve toxin buildup and pressure.
The enlarged veins act like a heat exchanger, bringing warmer blood from the body to the scrotum, a cooler environment vital for healthy sperm. This disruption damages sperm, but not all men with varicoceles become infertile, suggesting other factors play a role.
Studies have shown that treating a varicocele may improve:
- Sperm count
- Sperm motility
- Sperm structure
- Overall testicular function
For men seeking male infertility treatment, addressing a varicocele can be a meaningful step toward improving reproductive outcomes.
Traditional Varicocele Surgery: What to Consider
Surgical varicocele treatment (varicocelectomy) involves tying off the affected veins through an incision in the groin or abdomen. While commonly performed, surgery is not without drawbacks.
Potential considerations include:
- General anesthesia
- Postoperative pain or swelling
- Risk of infection or hydrocele
- Weeks of recovery before resuming normal activity
- Risk of recurrence
For many men—especially those focused on fertility preservation or faster recovery—surgery may not be the preferred option.
Varicocele Embolization: A Minimally Invasive Varicocele Treatment
Varicocele embolization is a non-surgical, image-guided procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. It treats the underlying cause of varicocele by correcting abnormal blood flow without surgery.
During the varicocele treatment procedure:
- A small catheter is inserted through a vein in the neck or groin
- The affected testicular veins are precisely mapped using imaging
- Tiny coils or medical-grade agents are placed to block abnormal veins
- Blood flow is redirected to healthy veins
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and does not require surgical incisions.
Benefits of Varicocele Embolization for Fertility and Recovery
Varicocele embolization offers several advantages over surgery, including:
- Minimally invasive varicocele treatment
- No incisions or stitches
- Performed with conscious sedation, not general anesthesia
- Faster recovery and minimal downtime
- Effective symptom relief and fertility improvement in appropriate patients
Most men return to work and normal activity within a few days.
Making an Informed Choice About Male Infertility Varicocele Treatment
If you’ve been diagnosed with a varicocele and are experiencing pain or fertility concerns, it’s important to know that surgery is not your only option.
Varicocele embolization is a safe, effective, and fertility-focused approach to treatment by preserving anatomy while addressing the root cause of the condition.
The specialists at PrecisionIR provide advanced, minimally invasive treatments for varicocele and other conditions that impact male fertility. If the symptoms of varicocele are keeping you from living your best life, visit our contact page or call us at 947-210-5802 to schedule a consultation. We’ll work with all members of your care team to find the treatment that is right for you.
