Currently, there are two treatment options for men with varicoceles: catheter directed embolization or surgical ligation. Catheter directed embolization is a non-surgical, outpatient treatment performed by an interventional radiologist using imaging to guide catheters or other instruments inside the body. Mild IV sedation and local anesthesia are used during the approximately one hour procedure to ensure that patients are relaxed.

During the procedure, an interventional radiologist makes a tiny nick in the skin at the groin using local anesthesia, through which a thin catheter (much like a piece of spaghetti) is passed into the femoral vein, directly to the testicular vein. The physician then injects contrast dye to provide direct visualization of the veins so s/he can map out exactly where the problem is and where to embolize, or block, the vein. By placing embolization coils, the interventional radiologist blocks the blood flow in the vein which reduces pressure on the varicocele. By embolizing the vein, blood flow is redirected to other healthy pathways.

Embolization and surgical ligation are equally effective in improving male infertility and cost about the same. Pregnancy rates and recurrence rates are comparable to those following surgical varicocelectomy.

In one study, sperm concentration improved in 83 percent of patients undergoing embolization compared to 63 percent of those surgically ligated. Patients who underwent both procedures expressed a strong preference for embolization.