Report on varicocele and infertility

Abstract

Varicoceles, defined as abnormally dilated scrotal veins, are present in 15% of the normal male population and in approximately 40% of men presenting with infertility (1). The preponderance of experimental data from clinical and animal models demonstrates an adverse effect of varicoceles on spermatogenesis. Venous reflux and testicular temperature elevation appear to play important roles in varicocele-induced testicular dysfunction, although the exact pathophysiologic mechanisms involved are not yet completely understood.