Relationship of varicocele grade and testicular hypotrophy

Abstract

Purpose Surgical indications for correcting adolescent varicocele have included high varicocele grade and testicular hypotrophy. To date, these findings have not been correlated with semen parameters. The objective of our study was to examine the relationship between unilateral, left varicocele grade or testicular volume differential and semen parameters in adolescents. Material and methods Semen analyses were obtained in 57 Tanner Stage V adolescent males, ages 14 to 20 years (mean = 18, SD = 1.6). Varicocele grade was determined by the attending urologist. Testicular volumes were determined by scrotal ultrasound performed by an attending sonologist. Analysis of the data was performed using nonparametric statistical methods. Results Boys with testicular volume differentials >10% versus those with differentials 20% these decreases were more dramatic. Percent motile sperm was significantly lower for boys with volume differentials >20% versus those in the 20% volume differential category, 59% had very low total motile sperm counts ( Conclusions Sonographically derived volume differentials >10% between normal and affected testes correlate with significantly decreased sperm concentration and total motile sperm count. This finding may serve as a marker to identify those adolescents with unilateral, left varicocele at greatest risk for future infertility. At the very least, a semen analysis and close annual follow-up of these adolescents seems warranted.