Advanced, minimally invasive vascular procedures

Cutting-edge technology meets expert outpatient care. Explore our nonsurgical, minimally invasive procedures—designed for lasting relief.

Explore all
A man discussing varicocele embolization with his doctor.

Varicocele Embolization

A minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedure that treats painful and swollen veins in the scrotum, providing long-term improvement of scrotal pain symptoms for 90% of patients1

Request appointment

What is varicocele embolization?

What are varicoceles?

Do you feel a dull ache or heavy feeling in your testicles, especially after standing for a long time? Are you experiencing fertility issues? If so, you might have varicoceles. Varicoceles are enlarged veins, similar to varicose veins, but around your testicles.

Varicoceles happen when the tiny valves inside the veins in your testicles stop working properly. These valves are supposed to keep blood flowing from your testicles back to your heart. When they fail, blood can pool up and cause the veins to swell. Varicoceles are most commonly found on the left side. However, they may occur on both the right and left sides.

Sometimes, varicoceles don't cause any symptoms at all. But if they do cause pain or make it hard to have children, there is a solution available. Varicocele embolization is a way to get relief without surgery. It's done by an interventional radiologist in an outpatient setting, and you can go home the very same day.

About 15 out of every 100 adult men have varicoceles, and they're most common between the ages of 15 and 35.2

Who is a candidate for varicocele embolization?
 

If you are suffering from a painful scrotum due to enlarged veins around the testicle (varicocele), then a minimally invasive, nonsurgical varicocele embolization could be right for you.

You may be a candidate for varicocele embolization if you:

  • Have enlarged veins around your testicles
  • Experience a dull ache or a feeling of heaviness in your testicles
  • Notice swelling in one of your testicles
  • Are experiencing infertility

How is varicocele embolization performed?

Our intervational radiologists perform varicocele embolization in an outpatient setting. The procedure generally takes less than 30 minutes. You'll be able to go home the very same day and will have minimal recovery time.

Here's how varicocele embolization is done:

  • First, the doctor uses X-ray guidance to insert a catheter, or a very small tube, into a vein in your leg or neck that goes to your groin.
  • Next, the catheter is guided into the arteries connected to the testicle.
  • Then, tiny coils—and often an additional liquid medicine called sclerosing agent—are released through the catheter and into the arteries to block the blood flowing to the varicocele.

Blocking the blood flow causes the varicocele to shrink and disappear over time, which relieves the pain and other symptoms you've been experiencing.

90% of patients experience relief after this procedure.1

What are the benefits of varicocele embolization?

Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedure that provides lasting relief from painful varicocele symptoms. Other benefits include:

  • Minimally invasive—no large cuts or scarring
  • Same-day procedure—recover quickly at home
  • Reduced risk of infection compared to surgery
  • Relief from pain and swelling
  • May improve sperm quality for men who want to have children
Two men on a bench. One man is holding a basketball.
A man discussing varicocele embolization with his doctor.
We Can Help

Experts in varicocele embolization

We put you and your needs at the center of your care. Our team of experts uses the latest imaging technology and minimally invasive techniques to treat varicoceles. Experience relief and get back to your daily routine with a simple procedure and minimal recovery time. Request an appointment at one of our centers to see if varicocele embolization is right for you.

Request appointment
FAQs

Learn more about varicocele embolization

A man with a basketball after a varicocele embolization procedure

About 90% of patients see improvement in varicocele-related symptoms after the varicocele embolization procedure.1 This minimally invasive procedure has been performed for over 25 years and has an excellent long-term safety record.

Recovery after a varicocele embolization is usually quick and easy. It's an outpatient procedure, so you'll go home the same day with just a small bandage. Some swelling and scrotal soreness for a few days following the procedure is normal and ibuprofen may help. It is recommended to stick to light activities like walking for the first 24-48 hours. If you're experiencing pain or soreness after a week, talk to your doctor.

Varicocele embolization is a very safe procedure, especially with an experienced doctor. Some people may experience minor bruising and soreness where the catheter is inserted. Most patients feel little pain and heal quickly. Your doctor will discuss any risks or side effects during your initial appointment.

Getting ready for your varicocele embolization is simple. You'll meet with your doctor to review your health history. Your doctor may perform a physical exam or ultrasound to check your varicoceles. Your doctor will explain the procedure in detail, provide any pre-procedure instructions, and answer any questions you have.

Our centers take most insurance plans. However, always check with your insurance provider to understand what your plan covers and any costs you may incur, such as a co-pay.

.

Request appointment now

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

Thank you!

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

We’ll reach out in XXX days