--- title: Can a Varicocele Come Back After Treatment? What the Research Says description: Learn about varicocele recurrence rates, causes, and how to minimise the chances of needing further treatment with expert insights and options like embolisation and surgery. image: https://blog.nbir.com.au/hubfs/Can%20a%20Varicocele%20Come%20Back%20After%20Treatment%3F%20What%20the%20Research%20Says.png --- [![headerLogo-001-4](https://blog.nbir.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/headerLogo-001-4.png?width=400&height=83&name=headerLogo-001-4.png "headerLogo-001-4")](https://blog.nbir.com.au/) - About NBIR - [What is an Interventional Radiologist?](https://www.nbir.com.au/interventional-radiology) - [What is Embolisation?](https://blog.nbir.com.au/what-is-embolisation) - [About Dr Shaun Quigley](https://www.nbir.com.au/dr-shaun-quigley) - [Fees](https://www.nbir.com.au/fees) - [Practice Location](https://www.nbir.com.au/our-practice) - [Conditions](https://www.nbir.com.au/conditions) - [Adenomyosis](https://www.nbir.com.au/adenomyosis) - [Fibroids](https://www.nbir.com.au/fibroids) - [Knee Osteoarthritis](https://www.nbir.com.au/knee-osteoarthritis) - [Pelvic Congestion Syndrome](https://www.nbir.com.au/pelvic-congestion-syndrome) - [Prostate Conditions](https://www.nbir.com.au/prostate) - [Tumour Treatment](https://www.nbir.com.au/tumour-ablation) - [Varicocele](https://www.nbir.com.au/varicocele) - [Treatments](https://www.nbir.com.au/treatments) - [Aneurysm Embolisation](https://www.nbir.com.au/aneurysm-embolisation) - [Genicular Artery Embolisation](https://www.nbir.com.au/genicular-artery-embolisation) - [Ovarian Vein Embolisation](https://www.nbir.com.au/ovarian-vein-embolisation) - [Pleurx Drain Insertion](https://www.nbir.com.au/pleurx-drain-insertion) - [Portacath Insertion](https://www.nbir.com.au/portacath-insertion) - [Prostate Artery Embolisation](https://www.nbir.com.au/prostate/prostatic-artery-embolisation) - [Tumour Ablation](https://www.nbir.com.au/tumour-ablation) - [Uterine Fibroid Embolisation](https://www.nbir.com.au/fibroids/uterine-fibroid-embolisation) - [Uterine Artery Embolisation for Adenomyosis](https://www.nbir.com.au/adenomyosis/uterine-artery-embolisation) - [Varicocele Embolisation](https://www.nbir.com.au/varicocele/varicocele-embolisation) - [Vertebroplasty](https://www.nbir.com.au/vertebroplasty) - [Blog and News](https://blog.nbir.com.au) [Referrals](https://www.nbir.com.au/for-referrers) [Book a Consultation](https://www.nbir.com.au/book-a-consultation) # Can a Varicocele Come Back After Treatment? What the Research Says [Varicoceles](https://www.nbir.com.au/varicocele) are a common cause of male infertility and testicular discomfort, affecting around 15% of men. Fortunately, treatment options like [varicocele embolisation](https://www.nbir.com.au/varicocele/varicocele-embolisation)and surgery can relieve symptoms and, in many cases, improve fertility outcomes. But one of the most frequent questions patients ask is: *“Will my varicocele come back after treatment?”* In this blog, we explore what the evidence says about recurrence rates, what causes a varicocele to return, and how you can minimise the chances of needing further treatment.   ## Understanding Varicocele Recurrence A recurrence means the varicocele reappears after it has been treated. This can happen months or even years after the initial treatment, though in many cases, patients remain symptom-free. The recurrence rate largely depends on the type of treatment used and the experience of the treating clinician. Two main treatment options are: - **Varicocele Embolisation** (performed by an interventional radiologist) - **Surgical Ligation** (performed by a urologist or surgeon)   [![Everything you need to know about varicoceles - download your free resource now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20028993/621f11ee-a878-4ff9-8e16-179232b6b85c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/20028993/621f11ee-a878-4ff9-8e16-179232b6b85c)   ## Recurrence Rates: Embolisation vs. Surgery Multiple studies have compared recurrence rates between embolisation and surgery. While outcomes can vary, the current literature suggests: - **Varicocele embolisation** has a recurrence rate of approximately **4–11%** - **Surgical ligation** (particularly open or laparoscopic techniques) can have recurrence rates of **9–16%** One of the reasons embolisation may offer lower recurrence is the ability to visualise and block all affected veins during the procedure using contrast dye and fluoroscopy. This reduces the likelihood of missing collateral veins that can continue to feed the varicocele.   [![Download 'The Benefits of Interventional Radiology: Improving Patient Outcomes'](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20028993/d36456b7-a252-4796-8969-2bae92cc22c9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/20028993/d36456b7-a252-4796-8969-2bae92cc22c9) ## Why Do Some Varicoceles Come Back? Recurrence may be due to: - **Incomplete treatment** – some feeding veins may not be fully blocked or tied off - **Collateral circulation** – new or previously unnoticed veins begin feeding the varicocele - **Technical issues** – such as coil migration or suboptimal technique - **Patient-specific anatomy** – certain vein patterns can make treatment more complex ## Minimising the Risk of Recurrence While no treatment can offer a 100% guarantee against recurrence, choosing an experienced interventional radiologist and undergoing thorough diagnostic imaging beforehand can significantly reduce the chances. If you've previously had surgery and the varicocele has returned, embolisation is often the preferred next step because it’s minimally invasive and allows a different access point to the problem.   ## What to Do If You Suspect a Recurrence If you notice the return of symptoms such as a dull ache, heaviness in the scrotum, or changes in fertility, speak with your doctor or interventional radiologist. An ultrasound can confirm whether the varicocele has returned and guide next steps for treatment.   ## Final Thoughts Varicocele recurrence is possible — but with modern embolisation techniques, the risk is relatively low. The key is early detection, expert care, and ongoing follow-up. If you're considering treatment or have had a previous recurrence, [book a consultation](https://www.nbir.com.au/book-a-consultation) with Northern Beaches Interventional Radiology to explore your options. [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20028993/5c73d637-59de-4e6f-8b75-6a55c1404c93.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/20028993/5c73d637-59de-4e6f-8b75-6a55c1404c93) Tags: [Varicocele](https://blog.nbir.com.au/tag/varicocele) [Conditions](https://blog.nbir.com.au/tag/conditions) [Treatments](https://blog.nbir.com.au/tag/treatments) [Male Infertility](https://blog.nbir.com.au/tag/male-infertility) - - - ![share](https://blog.nbir.com.au/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Northern_Beaches_Theme_2021/images/share_icon.svg) ![search](https://blog.nbir.com.au/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Northern_Beaches_Theme_2021/images/search.svg) ###### Author ![Shaun Quigley](https://blog.nbir.com.au/hubfs/Shaun%20Quigley%20author%20headsho.png) [Shaun Quigley](https://blog.nbir.com.au/author/shaun-quigley) Dr Shaun Quigley operates Northern Beaches Interventional Radiology, and specialises in minimally invasive treatment options for a range of conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), fibroids, adenomyosis and varicocele. ###### Recent Posts July 2, 2026 ## [What is Embolisation?](https://blog.nbir.com.au/what-is-embolisation) June 23, 2025 ## [The Role of Interventional Radiology in Modern Prostate Care](https://blog.nbir.com.au/the-role-of-interventional-radiology-in-modern-prostate-care) June 9, 2025 ## [PAE vs TURP: Which Is the Better Option for Treating Prostate Symptoms?](https://blog.nbir.com.au/pae-vs-turp) ![footerLogo](https://blog.nbir.com.au/hubfs/footerLogo-001.png "footerLogo") [Referrals](https://www.nbir.com.au/for-referrers) [Book a Consultation](https://www.nbir.com.au/book-a-consultation) - [About NBIR](https://www.nbir.com.au/dr-shaun-quigley) - [Conditions](https://www.nbir.com.au/conditions) - [Treatment](https://www.nbir.com.au/treatments) - [Blog and News](https://blog.nbir.com.au) © All Rights Reserved. Made with ❤️ by Digikat Follow us: - - - -