infertility

A varicocele is a dilation of a vein in the scrotum (think varicose veins). Many men who suffer from a varicocele also have a low sperm count or abnormal morphology. Although some doctors don’t agree that a varicocele has an effect on fertility, it is interesting to note that almost 40% of infertile men have it! Varicocele’s are also associated with poor blood flow in the testes, poor oxygen supply and elevated testicular temperature. (Now, I’m no expert, but it seems to me that all these things can definitely have an impact on sperm!) Strangely enough, almost 85% of all varicocele’s occur on the left side. Surgery is an option if the varicocele is large, but it doesn’t always improve fertility. In order to improve fertility, the varicocele needs to be repaired early in the course of the condition so that it doesn’t permanently affect the testes.

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