Report on varicocele and infertility

Abstract

Varicoceles are present in 15 percent of the normal male population and in approximately 40 percent of men presenting with infertility (1). The preponderance of experimental data from clinical and animal models demonstrates a deleterious effect of varicoceles on spermatogenesis. Testicular temperature elevation and venous reflux appear to play an important role in varicocele-induced testicular dysfunction, although the exact pathophysiology of varicocele-induced damage is not yet completely understood. This review offers recommendations regarding best practice policies for evaluation and treatment of varicoceles.