Abstract The proppant embedment into rock during the operation of the hydraulically fractured well is one of the reasons for the production rate decrease. Most researchers analyze this problem on the basis of laboratory experiments and do not take into account the well production data. The article proposes a mathematical model of proppant embedment, which makes it possible to estimate the change in the fracture conductivity. A joint calculation of the stress and pressure fields is carried out. The stress values are used to check the conditions at the start of proppant embedment. The discussed example shows a decrease in the width and conductivity of the fracture due to the proppant embedment, and the conditions are found under which this effect is significant. Usually, in order to assess the fracture conductivity, well tests are carried out. Using proposed mathematical model together with the well test results, makes it possible to estimate the contribution of proppant embedment to the change in fracture conductivity, as well as to identify additional factors leading to well production rate decrease.