Varicoceles are enlarged varicose veins that develop in
the scrotum and prevent blood from flowing properly. Varicoceles are
found in 15% of all men, but in up to 40% of men being evaluated for
infertility. Although they may be a factor in male infertility,
recent studies question whether surgery to correct varicoceles has
any beneficial effect. An improvement in semen quality can be
expected in roughly 67% of patients who have varicocele ligation, with
improvement most likely to be an increase in sperm motility rather than
sperm count. The pregnancy rate following varicocele repair is
approximately 40%, with pregnancy occurring an average of 6-9 months
after surgery.
The varicocele remains the most correctable factor when poor semen quality is discovered, but since it is a very common lesion, the operation should only be considered if other infertility risk factors are absent. Varicoceles can be corrected by venous embolization, laparoscopy or through a small inguinal or subinguinal incision.
Please contact Legacy Male Health Institute, P.A for male infertility treatments in Dallas, Ft Worth, Plano, North Dallas, Irving & Las Colinas areas.
