r/maleinfertility • u/DirkDigglit • 1d ago

Discussion Microsurgical varicocelectomy VS. Bilateral embolization

Afternoon all! I wanted to start by saying this Reddit group has really helped with perspective and knowing there are success stories!

My wife and I have been trying to conceive for the past year and half. I did my first sample analysis at the beginning of April, results were bad to say the least. Almost zero count and extremely low motility. Did blood work and a testosterone test, which all came back normal. This lead to a second sample delivery, with nearly identical results. Wound up getting a scrotal ultra sound, this showed I have varicocele in both testicles.

I had a follow up with a urologist/surgeon about possible options moving forward. The Dr. gave me two options. 1. Microsurgical varicocelectomy 2. Bilateral embolization (she recommended this). I wanted to ask this community, if they had any first hand experience with either of these two surgical option? Thank you all for reading and the support you all show one another.

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u/Ok_Carpet_3386 1d ago

Go with microsurgical, it has more success rate.

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u/DirkDigglit 1d ago

Thank you. That's what I was leaning towards.

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u/ashokleyland 23h ago

I did microsurgical varicocelectomy.. Then ivf- icsi. We have a 2months healthy baby boy now.

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u/Ok_Carpet_3386 19h ago

Was your numbers very bad before surgery and haven’t been able to reach normal range of the semen parameters?

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u/Silent_Athlete_9010 14h ago

If you found perm why can't you do if now?