Varicocele and male infertility conundrum: Making sense of a never-ending story for the busy clinician

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Varicocele is a common occurrence, particularly among men with primary and secondary infertility. There has been extensive research into the management of varicocele in the context of male infertility. Methods This article aims to explore the variations in clinical practice in diagnosing and managing varicoceles in infertile men. A summary of the current recommendations on varicocele management from professional societies is included. Results Substantial gaps in knowledge persist regarding varicoceles and male infertility, with significant variation in clinical approaches, despite the wealth of existing data in the medical literature. Conclusion The existing literature leaves many questions surrounding varicocele management in infertile men unanswered. This lack of clarity contributes to the ongoing controversy among clinicians in the field. New research is essential to address these contentious points and areas of debate.