April 30, 2025
If you’ve been diagnosed with a varicocele, you might be exploring your treatment options - and you may have come across varicocele embolisation as a minimally invasive alternative to surgery.
To help you better understand this procedure, we’ve answered some of the most common questions patients ask before undergoing embolisation.
1. What exactly is varicocele embolisation?
Varicocele embolisation is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. Using imaging guidance, a small catheter is inserted (typically through a vein in the groin or neck) and navigated to the affected veins. Tiny coils or special agents are then used to block the abnormal blood flow, effectively relieving pressure on the veins around the testicle.
2. How does embolisation compare to surgery?
Both embolisation and surgical ligation aim to stop blood pooling in the varicocele. However, embolisation:
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Requires no incisions (only a small puncture)
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Is usually performed under local anaesthetic with light sedation
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Has a quicker recovery time
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Allows you to resume normal activities faster (often within 1–2 days)
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Carries a lower risk of infection or scarring
Many patients prefer embolisation because it avoids the risks associated with general anaesthesia and open surgery.
Recommended reading: Understanding Varicocele Embolisation
3. Is the procedure painful?
Most patients describe embolisation as minimally uncomfortable. You may feel slight pressure during the catheter placement, but pain is rare. Afterwards, mild groin discomfort, bruising, or a pulling sensation is normal and typically settles within a few days.
4. How successful is varicocele embolisation?
Studies show success rates of 85–95% in relieving varicocele-related symptoms, including pain and fertility issues. In many cases, improvements in semen quality are seen within a few months following the procedure.
Embolisation is especially effective for patients with recurrent varicoceles who have previously undergone surgery.
Recommended reading: Can a Varicocele Come Back After Treatment? What the Research Says
5. What are the risks of embolisation?
As with any procedure, there are small risks, but serious complications are rare. Possible risks include:
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Minor bruising or soreness at the puncture site
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Allergic reaction to contrast dye (uncommon)
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Coil migration (extremely rare)
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Failure to completely resolve the varicocele, requiring further treatment (also rare)
Your interventional radiologist will assess your individual risks beforehand.
6. How long is the recovery time?
Recovery is usually quick and straightforward:
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Most patients can return to light activities within 24–48 hours
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You’ll likely be advised to avoid heavy lifting, intense exercise, and sexual activity for about 7–10 days
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Full healing continues internally for a few weeks
Your care team will provide specific aftercare instructions to support your recovery.
7. Will my varicocele come back after embolisation?
While recurrence is possible, embolisation has one of the lowest recurrence rates compared to surgery — estimated between 4–11%. Proper imaging during the procedure helps ensure all abnormal veins are treated, reducing the likelihood of regrowth.
Varicocele embolisation is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive option for treating varicoceles — with less downtime and fewer risks compared to surgery.
If you’re experiencing symptoms or fertility issues related to a varicocele, talking to an experienced interventional radiologist can help you explore whether embolisation is the right choice for you.
