In a nutshell
This study looked at how varicocele repair surgery affects the microscopic shape of sperm. It found that surgery improved sperm shape, movement, and concentration for men with infertility.
Some background
Varicoceles (VCs) can be a factor in male infertility. VCs are enlarged veins of the scrotum. These enlarged veins heat the testes, which can impair sperm development. VCs also worsen blood flow to the testes and prevent metabolic wastes from being removed by the blood. These wastes may increase oxidation damage to the sperm and their DNA (genetic material).
Men with VCs tend to have lower sperm quality. For men who are trying to conceive, surgery may be recommended to repair or remove the VC. Several studies have found that VC repair improves sperm movement. However, it is not clear whether sperm morphology (shape) improves after surgery.
Methods & findings
This study included 121 men with infertility who were undergoing VC repair surgery. Their average age was 24.6 years. The patients were examined and gave sperm samples before their surgery. They gave a second sample between 3 and 12 months after surgery.
The semen samples were examined under the microscope. After surgery, there was an improvement in sperm shape. There was significantly less microcephaly, or abnormally small heads of the sperm (3.3% vs. 2.2%). There was also significant improvement in several other problems of the heads or tails of the sperm.
71.7% of patients had improved sperm concentration after surgery. There were also fewer immature sperm (spermatids) after surgery. The ability of sperm to move in a straight line (motility) also significantly improved.
The bottom line
This study found that VC repair surgery improved sperm quality for men with infertility.
The fine print
Semen quality improved more for men with milder VCs. 62.5% of men with the lowest degree I had improvement, compared to 50.8% of men with degree IV.
Published By :
Andrology
Date :
Apr 08, 2021
