Varicocele is one of the most common yet often overlooked causes of male infertility. It affects around 15% to 20% of men, and 40% of men experiencing fertility difficulties. It occurs when the veins within the scrotum become enlarged, affecting blood flow and testicular temperature, and potentially reducing sperm quality. At Child Fertility, our specialists provide world-class diagnosis and treatment for varicocele, helping men across Saudi Arabia protect their fertility and take confident steps toward fatherhood.

What is a varicocele?

The veins in the scrotum help regulate temperature for healthy sperm production. A varicocele is similar to a varicose vein that can occur in the legs, but it forms within the veins within the scrotum, around the testicles. It usually develops gradually and may occur more often on the left side, although it can affect both testicles.

When the veins become enlarged, blood flow slows and the temperature around the testicles may rise slightly, which can affect sperm development and quality over time.

What causes a varicocele?

Varicoceles develop when the valves inside the veins of the scrotum do not function properly. This causes blood to pool in the veins, leading to enlargement over time.

In most cases, there is no single identifiable cause. However, it is more common in younger men and typically develops gradually during adolescence or early adulthood. The condition is similar to varicose veins in the legs and is usually related to how blood flows and drains from the testicular area.

Symptoms of varicocele

Most men with a varicocele have no noticeable symptoms and only discover it during a fertility assessment or routine check-up. However, some may experience:

• A dull ache or heaviness in the scrotum, especially after standing for long periods or exercising
• A feeling of enlarged or twisted veins under the skin
• Reduced testicular size on one side
• Difficulties with fertility or abnormal semen analysis results

Because varicocele can develop without symptoms, accurate diagnosis is essential.

At Child Fertility, diagnosis involves a detailed consultation and semen analysis, using advanced technology to assess sperm count, movement, and shape. If required, this may sometimes be accompanied by hormonal testing, to check for underlying imbalances affecting sperm production, a physical examination by a trained specialist or a high-resolution scrotal ultrasound scan to confirm the presence and severity of varicocele.

Our diagnostic approach is discreet, precise, and designed to identify even subtle factors that could impact fertility.

Can varicocele affect fertility?

Yes, in some men, varicocele can have a significant impact on fertility. The increased pressure and warmth around the testicles can affect the cells responsible for sperm production, leading to:

• Lower sperm count
• Reduced sperm motility (movement)
• Abnormal sperm shape (morphology)

However, the degree of impact varies. Many men with a varicocele are still fertile, while others benefit from targeted medical treatment to improve sperm health or enhance the success of assisted conception techniques.

At Child Fertility, our focus is on understanding your individual fertility profile and creating a plan that delivers the best possible outcome — whether naturally or through fertility treatment.

When should you treat a varicocele?

Not all varicoceles require treatment. In many cases, they are harmless and do not affect fertility or cause symptoms.

Treatment may be recommended if:

• There is evidence of reduced sperm quality
• You are experiencing fertility difficulties
• There is testicular pain or discomfort
• There is a noticeable impact on testicular size or function

Your specialist will assess your symptoms, semen analysis results, and overall fertility goals before recommending whether treatment is appropriate.

How is varicocele treated?

Not all varicoceles require treatment, but for men experiencing discomfort or infertility, medical or surgical options can make a real difference.

At Child Fertility, your personalised care plan may include:

• Observation and lifestyle optimisation – For mild cases, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding prolonged heat exposure, and balanced nutrition may support sperm health.
• Microsurgical varicocele repair – A minimally invasive surgical procedure that seals the affected veins, restoring normal blood flow. A varicocelectomy surgery can often improve sperm parameters and, in some cases, natural conception rates.
• Radiological embolisation – A non-surgical option using imaging guidance to block the faulty veins and redirect blood flow.
• Fertility treatments – For couples who continue to experience difficulty conceiving, advanced techniques such as IVF or ICSI can offer excellent outcomes. Our lab protocols and world-leading embryology technology give you the highest standard of care available in the region.

Every treatment decision at Child Fertility is guided by evidence-based medicine and delivered with complete discretion, compassion, and respect.

Can varicocele treatment improve fertility?

Yes, in many cases, treating a varicocele can lead to noticeable improvements in sperm quality within a few months. Research shows that surgical repair or embolisation can increase the chances of conception, both naturally and with assisted reproduction.

Our approach is not only to treat the condition, but to support long-term reproductive health, using precise monitoring and follow-up care to help you achieve your fertility goals with confidence.

Take the first step

If you are concerned about symptoms of varicocele or have been trying to conceive without success, we can help.

At Child Fertility, we combine world-leading expertise with advanced diagnostic and treatment options to support male fertility with privacy, dignity, and care.