Varicocele and Male Fertility: What the Research Shows
If you and your partner are facing fertility challenges, here’s what’s actually understood about the varicocele-infertility connection — and how varicocele embolization may help.
Varicocele is one of the most common findings in men being evaluated for infertility, but the relationship between the two isn’t always well understood by patients. Here’s a closer look at what research actually shows.
How Common Is the Connection?
Varicocele is found in roughly 15% of all men, but that number rises significantly among men being evaluated for infertility — found in an estimated 35–40% of men with primary infertility, and an even higher percentage of men with secondary infertility (difficulty conceiving after a previous successful pregnancy). This makes varicocele one of the most common identifiable, treatable causes of male infertility.
Why Varicoceles Can Affect Fertility
The leading explanation involves heat and pressure. Healthy sperm production depends on the testicles staying slightly cooler than core body temperature. A varicocele allows blood to pool in the scrotal veins rather than draining efficiently, and that pooled blood raises local temperature and pressure — conditions that can impair sperm production, motility, and shape over time.
What Semen Analysis Often Shows
Men with varicocele-related infertility commonly show one or more abnormalities on semen analysis: reduced sperm count, decreased motility (how well sperm move), or abnormal morphology (shape). These parameters don’t have to all be affected together — some men show just one abnormality, while others show multiple.
Does Treating the Varicocele Improve Fertility?
Multiple studies have shown that varicocele treatment — whether surgical or via embolization — is associated with improvements in sperm count, motility, and morphology in a meaningful proportion of men. Results vary by individual, and treatment doesn’t guarantee pregnancy, since fertility often involves multiple contributing factors on both partners’ sides. That said, for couples where varicocele has been identified as a significant contributing factor, treatment is a reasonable and evidence-supported step.
Why Embolization Is Worth Considering
Varicocele embolization treats the same underlying vein problem as surgical varicocelectomy, without an incision in the scrotum, general anesthesia, or the recovery time associated with surgery. For couples already navigating the stress of fertility treatment, a same-day, minimally invasive option can meaningfully reduce the burden of the process itself.
What This Means for You
If you’ve been diagnosed with a varicocele and are facing fertility challenges, it’s worth discussing directly with a specialist whether your specific case is a meaningful contributing factor — and whether treatment makes sense as part of your broader fertility plan.
Have questions about varicocele and fertility?
Book a consultation with MIVA Medical to discuss your specific situation.
Learn more on our Varicocele Embolization page, or read about varicocele treatment options.