Varicocele FAQs
What are the advantages of varicocele embolization vs. varicocele surgery?
Unlike varicocele surgery, embolization requires no incision, stitches, or general anesthesia. Further, embolization patients almost never require overnight admission to the hospital. In addition, several studies have shown that embolization is just as effective as surgery. Studies have also shown that embolization patients return to full activities in a day or two, but varicocele surgery patients may need to avoid strenuous activity for several days or even weeks. Some complications of varicocele surgery, such as hydrocele (fluid around that testicle) and infection are virtually unheard of after varicocele embolization.
Should all varicoceles be repaired?
Not necessarily. If you have symptoms, such as pain, you may choose to have a varicocele repair procedure sooner. But an asymptomatic varicocele is a common condition that does not necessarily cause pain or infertility. A varicocele only needs to be fixed when it causes pain, shrinkage of a testicle, or when it is associated with male infertility.
Will varicocele embolization improve my semen analysis?
Many studies have shown that varicocele repair can improve semen analysis significantly. There is no guarantee that any individual patient will experience improvement. Pregnancy rates in infertile couples improve after varicocele repair by about 30-50%.
Will the varicocele repair procedure reduce my pain?
Successful varicocele repair reduces the swelling and discomfort of symptomatic varicoceles. There are other causes of scrotal pain that may need to be ruled out before varicocele treatment.
What are the risks or complications of the procedure?
Minor complications such as bruising at the catheter site, nausea or low-grade backache may occur, but are uncommon. Infection, hydrocele or loss of a testicle have not been reported after coil embolization.
Are the procedures painful?
The procedure is performed with local anesthesia and “twilight” sedation. It is not a painful procedure. In one study, patients who underwent both varicocele surgery and varicocele embolization for varicocele repair, overwhelmingly favored varicocele embolization.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Typically, patients are observed for a few hours and go home the same day.
What are my restrictions after the procedure?
Patients are instructed to rest quietly at home on the day of the procedure. They may resume normal activity the next day. Varicocele surgery often has a longer recovery time than varicocele embolization.
Is there a chance that the varicocele will recur after varicocele repair?
There is a 5-11% chance that a varicocele could recur after embolization. If so, surgery may be needed. Keep in mind that a varicocele may also recur after surgery.
I had varicocele surgery but my varicocele has come back. Can varicocele embolization help me?
Yes. Embolization is a highly effective way to repair varicocele after varicocele surgery.
What does varicocele embolization cost?
The cost is generally comparable to varicocele surgery. However, the cost varies depending on geographic area and local insurance company policies. You should contact Precision VIR at 214-382-3200 to discuss the cost in detail.
Will my insurance pay for varicocele embolization?
Generally, insurance companies will pay for the varicocele embolization if they pay for varicocele surgery. Understand, however, that some insurance companies limit the coverage provided for infertility treatment. Check with your insurance company about this policy.
If x-rays are used to guide varicocele embolization, is there a danger of radiation exposure?
Although the radiologist guides the catheter with an x-ray machine during embolization, the amount of radiation exposure to the testicle is very low—about equal to the amount received during a chest x-ray.
During varicocele surgery, there is an incision made in or near the scrotum. Is there one made during varicocele embolization?
During varicocele embolization, no incision is made in or near the testicles. Rather, a tiny nick is made in the leg to insert a catheter (a small tube). Next, the catheter is guided up to the abdomen and into the varicocele vein. After the procedure, the catheter is removed and no stitches are needed.
How Do Varicoceles Decrease Sperm Count?
There are many theories. The most commonly accepted theory is that the varicocele raises the scrotal temperature. This has been shown in scientific studies. The average scrotal temperature is approximately 94 degrees F but it is higher in men with varicoceles. We know that other causes of increased intrascrotal temperature, such as hot tub use and excessive laptop use, are associated with decreased semen quality. This also explains why a man who has a varicocele on the left side only can have decreased semen quality. Varicoceles have also been associated with DNA damage and increased reactive oxygen species (free radicals) in sperm and semen, respectively.
Will Varicocele Embolization Improve My Sperm Count?
Many studies have shown that varicocele repair can improve semen analysis significantly. There is no guarantee that any individual patient will experience improvement. Pregnancy rates in infertile couples improve after varicocele repair by about 30-50%.
Varicocele Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Precision VIR to schedule an appointment for Varicocele consultation. Our top vascular specialists at Precision VIR will take the time to answer your questions about our safe, effective, minimally-invasive procedures. Call us at 214-382-3200 or complete the form below.
Precision VIR serves the DFW area including Dallas, Fort Worth, Carrollton, Richardson, Garland, Mesquite, Highland Park, University Park, Park Cities, Allen, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Arlington, Irving, Grand Prairie, Flower Mound Denton, Lewisville and all of North Texas.
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Prior to starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.