Dilemma in Teenager Varicocele

Abstract

There is no subject that is more controversial in the area of male infertility than varicocele. Varicocele is the most common identifiable cause of male infertility. It can develop during puberty and thus affect the testicular growth and function. The incidence of varicocele in the adolescents is about 15 percent worldwide. Varicocele is associated with a time-dependent growth arrest in adolescents. There is a clear association between varicocele, infertility, and testicular growth arrest. It is also known that varicocelectomy can reverse growth arrest in adolescents. Considerable debate regarding the etiology and effects of adolescence varicoceles has appeared in the literature. This knowledge has raised the question of how best to manage adolescents with varicocele. The chapter will discuss the following items: a. The prevalence of adolescence varicocele. b. Regional differences of adolescence varicocele. c. Pathophysiology. d. Anatomy. e. The risk factors for the development of varicocele among boys. f. Presentations. g. The relations between the adolescent varicocele and puberty. h. Evidence from controlled studies against varicocelectomy and the reports supporting varicocelectomy. i. Bilaterality.