Varicocele Embolization

Patient Information Leaflet

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What is Varicocele Embolization?

A varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of the veins within the scrotum caused by poor blood flow. It is similar to varicose veins that occur in the legs.

Varicoceles are common and can affect one or both sides of the scrotum.

Varicoceles may cause discomfort and are a common, treatable cause of male infertility. They can also affect hormone production and overall testicular health.

Symptoms of a varicocele

Symptoms may vary, and some men have no symptoms at all. When present, symptoms may include:

A dull ache or feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, often worse after standing or exercise
Visible or enlarged veins in the scrotum
Reduced sperm count or quality, leading to fertility problems
Lower testosterone levels, which may affect energy levels, mood, and sexual health

What is Varicocele Embolization?

Varicocele Embolization is a safe, minimally invasive procedure used to treat varicoceles without surgery. It is performed by an interventional radiologist using image guidance.

The procedure does not require any surgical incisions and is performed under local anesthesia, allowing you to remain awake but relaxed throughout.

How is the procedure performed?

Local anesthesia – You will be awake but comfortable.
Catheter insertion – A small needle is placed into a vein in the neck (or occasionally the groin). A thin tube (catheter) is guided to the affected testicular vein using X-ray guidance.
Blocking the vein – The abnormal vein is closed using tiny coils and a special medication, redirecting blood flow to healthy veins.
Breath control – You may be asked to hold your breath briefly or take deep breaths to assist imaging.
Recovery – The procedure is usually completed within 30–60 minutes. A small bandage is applied, and most patients go home the same day, often within 30–60 minutes after the procedure.

What happens after the procedure?

Most patients experience little to no discomfort
Normal daily activities can usually be resumed within 24–48 hours
Mild soreness may occur for a few days and is easily managed with pain medication
There are no stitches and no visible scars

Improvements in pain can be noticed within weeks. Improvements in sperm quality and fertility parameters typically occur over 3–6 months.

Benefits of Varicocele Embolization

No surgical incision
No general anesthesia
Outpatient procedure
Faster recovery compared to surgery
Comparable success rates to traditional surgical varicocele repair
Minimal risk of complications

Possible risks and side effects

Varicocele embolization is very safe. Rare risks may include:

Mild pain or bruising at the access site
Infection (very rare)
Recurrence of varicocele
Allergic reaction to contrast dye (uncommon)

Your doctor will discuss all potential risks before the procedure.

Fertility and testosterone after treatment

Varicocele embolization has been shown to:

Improve sperm count and quality in many patients
Improve testosterone levels in selected patients
Enhance chances of natural conception or success with assisted fertility treatments

Why choose Varicocele Embolization at Nairobi Interventional Radiology Services?

Minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment
Modern imaging-guided techniques
Rapid recovery and minimal disruption to daily life
Close collaboration with urologists and fertility specialists

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to See a Urologist to Be Referred for This Procedure?

No, you do not need a referral from a urologist for varicocele embolization. However, if during the consultation we determine that embolization may not be the right treatment option for you, we will refer you to one of the urologists we work with closely, or you can see a urologist of your choice.

What is a Varicocele?

A varicocele is the abnormal pooling of blood in the testicle due to veins that are unable to drain blood properly.

Why Does It Occur Mainly on the Left Side?

While varicoceles can occur on both sides, they are most commonly found on the left side. This is because the left testicular vein drains into the renal vein at a 90-degree angle, causing higher pressure and leading to blood pooling.

What Are the Symptoms and Effects of a Varicocele?

Common symptoms of a varicocele include:

Dull scrotal pain or heaviness, particularly after standing for long periods or exercising.
Lower testosterone levels.

What Do I Need to Bring for the Consultation

Please bring all your recent scans. If you don't have any, don't worry — we can organize a scan for you.

How Does Varicocele Embolization Compare to Other Treatments?

The outcomes of varicocele embolization are similar to surgical treatment. However, embolization has advantages, such as being a day-case procedure performed under local anesthesia, with no incisions needed.

What to Expect on the Day of the Procedure?

Fasting: Please don’t eat or drink after midnight before the procedure.
After you’re checked in, a member of the team will place an IV line and explain the procedure to you. We will then obtain your consent to proceed.

How is the Procedure Carried Out?

Abnormal sperm production, which can lead to male infertility.
Varicoceles are a common cause of male factor infertility.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you will be awake.
A small needle is used to puncture a large vein in your neck, and a wire and catheter are inserted.
The catheter is used to access the testicular vein on the affected side, which is then blocked using a mix of coils (small metal particles) and sclerosant (a chemical that seals the vein).
During the procedure, we may ask you to hold your breath, take deep breaths, or strain at times.
Afterward, a small bandage is applied to your neck. You can go home 30 minutes after the procedure.

How Soon After the Procedure Will the Symptoms Resolve?
If the procedure is being performed to treat infertility, sperm quality may improve within 1 month. A repeat semen analysis can be done at that time.

What Is the Follow-Up After Varicocele Embolization?
A follow-up ultrasound and semen analysis (if infertility is a concern) will be conducted 1 month after the procedure.

Pain, ache, and heaviness usually resolve within 1 week.

Patient Information Leaflet

What is Varicocele Embolization?

A varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of the veins within the scrotum caused by poor blood flow. It is similar to varicose veins that occur in the legs.

Varicoceles are common and can affect one or both sides of the scrotum.

​

Varicoceles may cause discomfort and are a common, treatable cause of male infertility. They can also affect hormone production and overall testicular health.

​

Symptoms of a varicocele

​

Symptoms may vary, and some men have no symptoms at all. When present, symptoms may include:

​

A dull ache or feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, often worse after standing or exercise

Visible or enlarged veins in the scrotum

Reduced sperm count or quality, leading to fertility problems

Lower testosterone levels, which may affect energy levels, mood, and sexual health

​

What is Varicocele Embolization?

​

Varicocele Embolization is a safe, minimally invasive procedure used to treat varicoceles without surgery. It is performed by an interventional radiologist using image guidance.

The procedure does not require any surgical incisions and is performed under local anesthesia, allowing you to remain awake but relaxed throughout.

​

How is the procedure performed?

​

Local anesthesia – You will be awake but comfortable.

Catheter insertion – A small needle is placed into a vein in the neck (or occasionally the groin). A thin tube (catheter) is guided to the affected testicular vein using X-ray guidance.

Blocking the vein – The abnormal vein is closed using tiny coils and a special medication, redirecting blood flow to healthy veins.

Breath control – You may be asked to hold your breath briefly or take deep breaths to assist imaging.

Recovery – The procedure is usually completed within 30–60 minutes. A small bandage is applied, and most patients go home the same day, often within 30–60 minutes after the procedure.

What happens after the procedure?

​

Most patients experience little to no discomfort

Normal daily activities can usually be resumed within 24–48 hours

Mild soreness may occur for a few days and is easily managed with pain medication

There are no stitches and no visible scars

​

Improvements in pain can be noticed within weeks. Improvements in sperm quality and fertility parameters typically occur over 3–6 months.

Benefits of Varicocele Embolization

​

No surgical incision

No general anesthesia

Outpatient procedure

Faster recovery compared to surgery

Comparable success rates to traditional surgical varicocele repair

Minimal risk of complications

Possible risks and side effects

​

Varicocele embolization is very safe. Rare risks may include:

​

Mild pain or bruising at the access site

Infection (very rare)

Recurrence of varicocele

Allergic reaction to contrast dye (uncommon)

​

Your doctor will discuss all potential risks before the procedure.

Fertility and testosterone after treatment

​

Varicocele embolization has been shown to:

​

Improve sperm count and quality in many patients

Improve testosterone levels in selected patients

Enhance chances of natural conception or success with assisted fertility treatments

Why choose Varicocele Embolization at Nairobi Interventional Radiology Services?

​

Minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment

Modern imaging-guided techniques

Rapid recovery and minimal disruption to daily life

Close collaboration with urologists and fertility specialists

Dull scrotal pain or heaviness, particularly after standing for long periods or exercising.

Lower testosterone levels.

​​

​

What Do I Need to Bring for the Consultation

Please bring all your recent scans. If you don't have any, don't worry — we can organize a scan for you.

Abnormal sperm production, which can lead to male infertility.

Varicoceles are a common cause of male factor infertility.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you will be awake.

A small needle is used to puncture a large vein in your neck, and a wire and catheter are inserted.

The catheter is used to access the testicular vein on the affected side, which is then blocked using a mix of coils (small metal particles) and sclerosant (a chemical that seals the vein).

During the procedure, we may ask you to hold your breath, take deep breaths, or strain at times.

Afterward, a small bandage is applied to your neck. You can go home 30 minutes after the procedure.