Varicoceles Treatment for Male Infertility
A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins that drain blood from the testicle. They might be barely detectable or very large and look like a “bag of worms.”
Varicoceles are a common incidental finding, and up to 40% of men with infertility are thought to have varicoceles. They can affect fertility by:
- Increasing testicular temperature: The enlarged veins can trap heat, raising the temperature in the testicles. This can damage sperm production.
- Reducing blood flow: Varicoceles can obstruct blood flow to the testicles, depriving them of optimal oxygen and nutrients essential for sperm production.
- Producing harmful substances: The stagnant blood in varicoceles can release harmful substances that damage sperm.
- Altering hormone levels: Varicoceles may interfere with the production of hormones necessary for sperm production.
A treatment called varicocele embolization performed by interventional radiology to restore fertility for men with varicocele.
How It Works
Varicocele embolization is a non-surgical treatment that involves inserting tiny coils and/or a liquid substance in a blood vessel to divert blood flow away from a varicocele. Varicocele embolization safely relieves the pain and swelling associated with varicocele and may improve sperm quality for infertile couples.
The procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis. A numbing agent is applied to the groin where the interventional radiologist will access the femoral vein. Sometimes general anesthesia is administered.
Using an X-ray for guidance, the interventional radiologist will guide a catheter to your testicular vein. A contrast agent is injected to map out the problem area so it can be blocked or embolized using coils. Once the vein is blocked, the damaged vein is shut off, and blood flow is redirected to the surrounding, healthier veins.
Varicocele embolization takes about 45 minutes, with a two-hour recovery. You can return to moderate activity within 24-48 hours.
