Are sperm motion parameters influenced by varicocele ligation?

Abstract

Objective: To document objectively, improvements in sperm motion parameters in subfertile men after varicocele ligation with the use of computer-aided sperm analysis. Design: Retrospective chart review. Setting: An academic clinical environment. Patient(s): Thirty-four men with varicocele as the primary cause of infertility who underwent a physical examination, hormonal profile, and Doppler ultrasound evaluation. Intervention(s): Computer-aided sperm analysis was performed before and after either subinguinal or laparoscopic varicocele ligation. Main Outcome Measure(s): Patients were followed up for 3–18 months after operation, and average computer-aided sperm analysis values were obtained before and after operation. Computer-aided sperm analysis values were analyzed by paired Student’s t-test, with special reference to motility and sperm motion parameters. Result(s): After varicocele ligation, patients demonstrated increases in mean sperm density and in the overall distribution of sperm with rapid velocity, although the increases were not statistically significant. Mean measures of straightness, linearity, and track speed also were increased after operation, but only progressive sperm velocity was increased to a statistically significant level. Conclusion(s): Because progressive velocity has been a primary computer-aided sperm analysis parameter predictive of male fertility and the success of assisted reproductive techniques, we conclude that varicocele ligation results in improvements in semen parameters, especially the key parameter of progressive sperm velocity.