In a nutshell
This study evaluated the effect of varicocele repair (VR) on sperm parameters in infertile men with clinical varicocele. The data showed that VR significantly increased the total sperm count, sperm motility (movement), morphology (shape), and concentration in these men.
Some background
Male infertility can be caused by a number of factors. Varicoceles can be a factor in male infertility. A varicocele is an enlargement of veins in the scrotum. It is thought that they cause infertility by impairing blood flow and causing damage to or killing sperm. Men with varicoceles often have low sperm count or quality. This may include low numbers of sperm which move normally (motility) or low numbers of sperm with a normal shape (morphology).
For men who are trying to conceive, surgery may be recommended to repair or remove the varicocele. Varicocelectomy or VR involves repairing veins and has been shown to improve sperm movement. However, the effect of VR on conventional sperm parameters such as total sperm count, sperm motility, morphology, and concentration in infertile men is still not clear.
Methods & findings
This study analyzed 16 other studies and involved 2420 infertile men with clinical varicocele. 1424 patients were treated with VR. 996 patients were not treated (control group).
VR significantly improved the total sperm count, sperm motility, morphology, and concentration compared to the control group.
The bottom line
This study concluded that VR significantly increased the total sperm count, sperm motility, shape, and concentration in these men.
The fine print
This study looked back in time at medical records. The number of studies analyzed was very small and had differences in their outcomes.
Published By :
The world journal of men’s health
Date :
Oct 28, 2022
