Quick answer
Varicocele, a dilation of the veins of the spermatic cord, is associated with male infertility in some cases through impaired sperm quality. Percutaneous embolization treats this venous dilation without surgery, as an alternative to conventional surgery.
📖 What is the link between varicocele and male infertility?
Varicocele is found in 15% of men in the general population and in about 40% of men consulting for infertility, a frequently cited statistical association. However, no solid scientific evidence establishes that varicocele is itself a cause of infertility. Plausible biological mechanisms have been proposed (increased intratesticular temperature due to venous stasis, oxidative stress), but the causal link remains debated and this finding should not needlessly worry men with an asymptomatic varicocele.
In men with infertility and an abnormal semen analysis associated with a varicocele, treatment by percutaneous embolization can improve semen parameters (concentration, motility, morphology) in 50 to 70% of cases, with a delay of 3 to 6 months. However, this biological improvement does not systematically translate into higher pregnancy rates. The decision to treat is made case by case with the urologist/andrologist, as part of the couple's infertility work-up, and not on the sole discovery of a varicocele.
Frequently asked questions
How long after embolization can an improvement in the semen analysis be seen?
Does varicocele embolization improve the chances of pregnancy with IVF?
Should a subclinical varicocele be treated in case of infertility?
Is a medical letter necessary?
Book an appointment at Cochin AP-HP
Cochin Hospital · 27 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques · 75014 Paris · No fee supplements
🔗 Related pages
🇫🇷 French version: varicocele-infertilite.html
✓ Why this page is trustworthy
Written by the Interventional Radiology team at Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité. Medically reviewed by an interventional radiologist of the department. Last updated: July 2026.