Varicocele Embolization in Queens & Long Island
Minimally invasive treatment for varicocele. Outpatient procedure. Same-day discharge. No scrotal incision.
Why Embolization?
Written by Practice Editorial Team · Medically reviewed by Amir Salem, MD, Vascular & Interventional Radiologist · Last updated April 26, 2026
What is Varicocele Embolization?
Varicocele Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that treats enlarged veins in the scrotum (varicocele) by closing them off from inside the vein. An interventional radiologist accesses the spermatic vein through a small needle stick — usually in the neck or groin — and deploys tiny coils to redirect blood flow. No surgical incision, no general anesthesia, same-day discharge.
Varicocele Embolization may be a good fit for men who:
- Have a symptomatic varicocele (scrotal pain, heaviness, or swelling)
- Are evaluating treatment for male-factor infertility
- Have testicular atrophy concerns
- Want to avoid the recovery time of surgical varicocelectomy
What Is Varicocele Embolization?
A varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of the veins inside the scrotum — similar to varicose veins in the leg, but occurring in the pampiniform venous plexus that drains the testicle. Varicoceles affect approximately 15% of men and are found in up to 40% of men evaluated for infertility. They can cause a dull, aching scrotal discomfort that worsens with standing or physical activity, and in some men they are associated with reduced sperm quality and testicular atrophy.
Varicocele embolization treats the condition by closing off the abnormal venous reflux from within the vein itself. Using real-time X-ray fluoroscopy, an interventional radiologist advances a microcatheter through the jugular or femoral vein into the internal spermatic vein — the source of the varicocele. Tiny metallic coils (and sometimes a sclerosing agent) are then deployed to occlude the vessel, redirecting blood flow through healthy collateral veins and relieving the scrotal engorgement.
The entire procedure is performed through a small needle puncture — no scrotal incision, no general anesthesia, no overnight hospital stay. At M&S Vascular, varicocele embolization is performed by Dr. Amir Salem, our board-certified interventional radiologist.
Am I a Candidate for Varicocele Embolization?
Candidacy is determined through a consultation that reviews your symptoms, scrotal ultrasound findings, semen analysis results (if fertility is a concern), and overall health. Men with a clinically palpable varicocele (Grade II–III) and symptoms are typical candidates.
Typical good-fit candidates
- ✓Symptomatic varicocele (scrotal pain, heaviness, swelling)
- ✓Male-factor infertility workup with varicocele present
- ✓Testicular atrophy (volume asymmetry) on ultrasound
- ✓Clinically palpable varicocele confirmed by exam and ultrasound
- ✓Wish to avoid surgical varicocelectomy and its recovery
- ✓Recurrent varicocele after prior surgical treatment
Contraindications / not ideal for
- –Active scrotal or genital infection
- –Severe contrast allergy without pre-medication protocol
- –Significant coagulopathy not correctable prior to procedure
- –Anatomic variants precluding safe venous access (assess at consultation)
Not sure if varicocele embolization is right for you?
Find out if you qualify — request a consultationHow Varicocele Embolization Works: Step-by-Step
1Pre-procedure evaluation and imaging
Before the procedure, we obtain a scrotal ultrasound with Doppler to confirm the varicocele grade, assess both sides, and map the venous anatomy. If fertility is a concern, a semen analysis is reviewed as part of the workup.
2The embolization procedure
You receive conscious sedation. The interventional radiologist makes a small needle puncture — usually in the right internal jugular vein in the neck, or alternatively the femoral vein in the groin — and advances a microcatheter under fluoroscopic guidance into the left (and if indicated, right) internal spermatic vein. A venogram confirms the reflux pattern, then tiny metallic coils are deployed at the appropriate level to close the vessel. The procedure closes the refluxing veins without any incision in the scrotum or groin.
3Recovery and discharge
After the procedure, you spend a brief period in our recovery area before going home with a responsible adult driver. The access site requires only a small bandage. Most patients experience minimal post-procedure discomfort and return to light activity the following day.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Procedure
In our practice, we perform varicocele embolization under conscious sedation in our fully accredited outpatient suite at Great Neck. You'll arrive approximately one hour beforehand. Our nursing team reviews your medications, allergies, and pre-procedure instructions before Dr. Salem begins.
The procedure typically takes between 45 minutes and 90 minutes. Most patients find the procedure very well tolerated. The access site is the most common area of mild discomfort — the scrotum itself is not touched. After the procedure, you rest briefly in recovery before discharge.
You'll leave with written discharge instructions covering activity restrictions and a follow-up plan to assess symptom improvement and, where applicable, schedule post-procedure semen analysis.
Recovery Timeline
- Day 1Go home same day. Mild soreness at the access site (neck or groin). Rest recommended.
- Days 2–3Resume light activity. Most patients experience minimal scrotal discomfort. Pain medication typically not required beyond over-the-counter options.
- Weeks 1–2Return to full normal activity including work and moderate exercise. Scrotal heaviness often begins to resolve as the varicocele decompresses.
- 3–6 monthsIf fertility is the goal, sperm parameters are reassessed at 3–6 months — one full spermatogenesis cycle — to evaluate treatment response.
Recovery timelines are approximate and vary by individual. Your care team will provide personalized guidance.
Risks and Alternatives
Here is an honest comparison of varicocele treatment options so you can evaluate embolization in context.
| Treatment | Type | Anesthesia | Hospital Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embolization (this procedure) | Minimally invasive, transvenous | Conscious sedation | Same-day outpatient |
| Surgical Varicocelectomy ↗ | Surgical — groin or abdominal incision | General or regional | Outpatient; 2–4 week recovery |
| Laparoscopic Varicocelectomy | Minimally invasive surgical | General | Outpatient; 1–2 week recovery |
| Watchful Waiting | Active surveillance (for asymptomatic) | None | None |
Known varicocele embolization risks
- •Minor bruising or soreness at catheter access site (neck or groin)
- •Mild post-procedure scrotal discomfort (self-limited)
- •Rare: coil migration requiring retreatment
- •Rare: varicocele recurrence (reported in a small percentage of cases)
- •Rare: non-target embolization
For the full risk-benefit discussion, schedule a consultation with Dr. Salem. This list is not a substitute for personalized medical advice.
Why Choose M&S Vascular for Varicocele Embolization
Your Interventional Radiologist
Amir Salem, MD
Board-certified interventional radiologist with subspecialty training in vascular and interventional procedures. Member, Society of Interventional Radiology.
Two convenient locations
Forest Hills, Queens and Great Neck, Long Island — serving patients from across the NYC metro area.
AAAHC-accredited outpatient suite
Procedures performed in a fully accredited ambulatory setting.
Fast response
We respond to consultation requests within 5 minutes during business hours.
Insurance accepted
Most major plans accepted. View accepted insurances →
What patients say
“I had been putting off surgery for two years because of the recovery. The embolization was done in the morning and I was home having lunch. The ache is gone.”
“My urologist referred me to Dr. Salem. I had never heard of this procedure but after he explained it I was on board immediately. Quick recovery, no drama.”
“We were working through an infertility evaluation and this was one piece of the puzzle. The team was thorough explaining what the procedure could and couldn't fix.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is varicocele embolization covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. Many commercial insurers cover varicocele embolization when medically necessary criteria are met, particularly when associated with documented pain or infertility workup. Our team will verify your specific benefits and obtain pre-authorization before your procedure.
How is varicocele embolization different from surgical varicocelectomy?
Surgical varicocelectomy requires an incision in the groin or abdomen under general or regional anesthesia, with a recovery period of several weeks. Varicocele embolization is non-surgical: an interventional radiologist accesses the spermatic vein through a small needle stick — usually in the neck (jugular) or groin — and deploys coils to close the vein from the inside. No incision, no general anesthesia, and most patients go home the same day.
Will varicocele embolization improve fertility?
Improvement in sperm parameters following varicocele treatment has been reported in the medical literature. However, fertility outcomes depend on multiple factors including partner fertility status, baseline sperm parameters, and the grade of varicocele.
How long is recovery from varicocele embolization?
Most patients go home the same day and can resume light activity within 24–48 hours. Full normal activity is typically possible within 1–2 weeks. Improvement in scrotal discomfort may be noticeable within days to weeks.
Where is varicocele embolization performed in Long Island and Queens?
Varicocele embolization at M&S Vascular is performed at our Great Neck, Long Island location in a fully accredited outpatient suite. We serve patients from across Long Island, Queens, and the broader NYC metro area including Forest Hills, Bayside, Flushing, and Manhasset.
Who is a candidate for varicocele embolization?
Good candidates include men with a symptomatic varicocele — scrotal pain or heaviness, male-factor infertility workup, or testicular atrophy concerns — who want to avoid the recovery and risks of surgical varicocelectomy. A consultation, physical examination, and scrotal ultrasound are typically required to confirm the diagnosis and candidacy.
What are the risks of varicocele embolization?
Varicocele embolization is generally safe. Risks include minor bruising or soreness at the access site, temporary post-procedure scrotal discomfort, and rarely, coil migration or recurrence. Serious complications are uncommon. Your interventional radiologist will review all risks specific to your anatomy during your consultation.
How quickly will pain or sperm parameters improve?
Scrotal discomfort often begins to improve within days to weeks after the procedure as the varicocele decompresses. Improvement in sperm parameters, if applicable, typically requires 3–6 months to manifest — one full spermatogenesis cycle.
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