Scrotal, Penile & Fertility
Varicocoele Embolisation
Minimally invasive day case procedure done under local anaesthetic using Xray guided techniques to shrivel up dilated veins to the testicle.
Key takeaways
- Minimally invasive day case procedure done under local anaesthetic using Xray guided techniques to shrivel up dilated veins to the testicle.
- Specialty: Scrotal, Penile & Fertility
~90
Success rate%
Local
Local anaesthetic, no surgery
Day case
Usually home the same day
Treatment Overview
About Varicocoele Embolisation
Varicocoele embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist to treat dilated veins to the testicle.
A small catheter is inserted into a vein (groin or arm or neck)
X-ray guidance is used to locate the abnormal veins
Coils or a sealing agent are used to block the vein
Blood is redirected to normal veins
Safety Information
Benefits, Risks & Side Effects
01
Benefits
The primary benefit is that no surgery is required. Because it is a "pinhole" technique, there are no scalpels or stitches. You remain awake and comfortable, avoiding the risks of a general anaesthetic. Recovery is significantly faster than open surgery; most patients return to normal activities the next day. For those with fertility issues, it is a proven way to improve sperm quality by "cooling" the testicles.
Benefits:
No surgical incision
Performed under local anaesthetic
Day-case procedure (home the same day)
Faster recovery than surgery
High success rate (~90%)
May improve:
Persistent scrotal discomfort or aching
A feeling of heaviness or swelling
A visible varicocoele
Sperm counts (e.g. abnormal semen parameters)
02
Risks
While varicocoele embolisation is a minimally invasive and safe procedure, it is important to understand the potential risks. We categorise these by frequency to help you make an informed decision.
🟡 Occasional (Between 1 in 10 and 1 in 50 patients)
Recurrence: The varicocoele may return, which could require either a repeat embolisation or surgical treatment.
Infection: A risk of infection at the skin puncture site that may require antibiotics or surgical drainage.
Hospital-Acquired Infection: There is a general risk (4–6%) of acquiring an infection such as MRSA while in the hospital.
🔴 Rare (Between 1 in 50 and 1 in 250 patients)
Coil Displacement: A metallic coil may displace and pass into your lung. While often retrievable, if it cannot be removed, it is unlikely to cause long-term problems, though it may cause a cough and mild chest pain for a few days.
Positioning Failure: Failure to obtain satisfactory positioning of the coils, which may then require further surgical treatment.
Vein Damage: Damage to or bleeding from the punctured vein that requires surgical repair.
General Medical Issues: Rare complications related to the heart or breathing, such as blood clots or chest infections.
03
Side Effects
To help you prepare for your recovery, we use the following traffic light system to outline common after-effects. These are typically temporary and resolve as you heal.
🟢 Common (More than 1 in 10 patients)
Puncture Site Bruising: It is common to have a small skin bruise at the puncture site in your neck or groin.
Puncture Site Pain: You may experience pain around the puncture site, which can sometimes worsen in the days immediately following the procedure.
Back Pain: Back pain is common and typically lasts for 48 to 72 hours after the procedure.
Vein Tenderness: The veins above your testicle may become more prominent and tender for the first few days.
What We Treat
How Varicocoele Embolisation Can Help You
This treatment is effective for a wide range of health needs. Select a condition below to learn more about how we can support your recovery and improve your daily well-being.
Patient Journey
What to Expect
A step-by-step guide through your Varicocoele Embolisation journey—from preparation and what happens during the procedure to recovery and aftercare.
01/ 03
Before Procedure
You will have an ultrasound scan of the scrotum before your procedure is booked.
You may have a small needle put into a vein in your arm for painkillers to be given if necessary.
Standard blood tests may be carried out.
You can eat and drink as normal.
You may be given antibiotics on the morning of the procedure.
If you have any allergies, you must let your doctor know.
If you take any medications to thin the blood (anticoagulants or antiplatelets) please let us know beforehand, as these will need to be stopped a certain length of time before the procedure.
Examples include: warfarin, dalteparin, enoxaparin, tinzaparin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, clopidogrel, ticagrelor.
Low dose aspirin (75mg) is safe to continue.
Please discuss with a doctor before stopping any medicines, as sometimes other treatment will need to be given.
If you have previously reacted to intravenous contrast medium (the dye used for computed tomography [CT] scans), you must also tell your doctor about this.
02/ 03
During Procedure
You will lie flat on an X-ray table with monitoring devices attached to your arm and finger. The radiologist will wear sterile theatre gear and numb the skin with a local anaesthetic.
A needle is inserted into a large vein (usually in the groin or neck).
A fine plastic tube (catheter) is guided into the correct position using X-rays.
Tiny metal coils (like small springs) are passed through the catheter. These cause the blood to clot and block the abnormal vein.
A small amount of Contrast dye is injected to help identify the abnormal veins
The catheter is removed, and the doctor will press firmly on the entry point for several minutes to prevent bleeding.
03/ 03
After Procedure
You will be taken back to the Day Unit for routine observations (pulse and blood pressure). You will usually stay in bed for about two hours to ensure the entry point has healed properly.
You can go home the same day
Mild discomfort for a few days is common
Avoid heavy lifting for 1–2 weeks
Return to normal activities quickly
Symptoms often improve within a few weeks
Fertility improvements may take several months
Specialists
Specialists for Varicocoele Embolisation
Leading experts for this treatment. View profiles to see clinical backgrounds and current availability.
Our Commitment
Care you can trust
Every treatment is delivered to the same standard: senior consultants, a personalised plan, and the safety of an accredited private hospital behind you.
Consultant-Led Excellence
Receive evidence-based treatments delivered by senior NHS consultants in a professional, specialist setting.
Personalised Care Plans
Your consultant will design a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your specific health goals and lifestyle.
Hospital-Grade Safety
We operate within leading private hospitals, adhering to strict CQC safety and technology standards.
A Heritage of Trust
Our partners bring decades of NHS and private experience, successfully managing thousands of patient cases.
Trusted Resources
Trusted Patient Resources
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Patient Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this treatment and what to expect.
3 questions
Many men choose embolisation specifically to improve their chances of natural conception. By blocking the faulty veins, the temperature of the testicles drops, which is essential for healthy sperm production. While every case is different, studies show that roughly 30–40% of couples go on to conceive naturally within a year of the procedure. If you are also undergoing IVF or ICSI, the improved sperm quality can significantly boost the chances of those treatments being successful as well.
Reviewed 1 May 2026
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Yes, the coils are made of medical-grade materials (typically platinum or stainless steel) and are designed to stay in your body permanently. They are very small—often no larger than a tiny piece of thread—and once they are placed, they "lock" into the vein walls and do not move. They are MRI-safe, so you will still be able to have MRI scans in the future. You won't be able to feel them, and they won't set off airport metal detectors.
Reviewed 1 May 2026
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If you are having the procedure to relieve a dull ache or heaviness, many patients notice an improvement within just a few days as the pressure in the veins is reduced. However, if you are treating the varicocoele to improve fertility (OAT), you must be patient. It takes about 72 to 90 days for the body to produce a new cycle of sperm. Therefore, we wait at least 3 months before performing a follow-up semen analysis to see the full clinical impact of the treatment.
Reviewed 1 May 2026
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