The Impact of Subinguinal Varicocelectomy on Serum Testosterone Level

Abstract

Summary V aricocele is the most frequent finding in men evaluated for infertility, identified in 35% of men with primary infertility and 70 to 80% of men with secondary infertility. Varicocele is defined as an abnormal tortuous dilatation of internal spermatic veins and pampiniform plexus in the spermatic cord. The significance of early varicocele diagnosis and treatment stems from evidences that varicocele results in progressive duration-dependent reduction in testicular function, manifesting as impaired semen parameters and low testosterone levels. Successful sub inguinal varicocelectomy will at least halt further varicocele-induced testicular damage and in a majority of men lead to improved semen parameter and increased testosterone levels. The aim of our study was to study the effect of sub inguinal varicocele surgery on patients presenting with normal or below normal testosterone level.