Infertile men with varicocele alone and varicocele with coexistent non-obstructive azoospermia have completely different clinical, hormonal and sperm profiles

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological, clinical, hormonal and sperm parameters in men with varicocele and to evaluate possible changes in sperm parameters after varicocelectomy. Patients and Methods: We accessed clinical, hormonal, sperm and cytological parameters from medical records of the men examined in the outpatient infertility clinic between 1991–2005. Inclusion criteria were either clinically apparent varicocele or a history of varicocelectomy (Study 1). In a subgroup of men, data were available before and after varicocelectomy (Study 2). In 64% of men varicocele was the only cause of infertility, whereas in 36% other additional causes were found. There were statistically significant differences between men with varicocele only and idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia (INOA) plus varicocele, regarding testicular volume, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels and sperm parameters (Study 1). In men with varicocele only, Sperm Index was the only parameter that showed statistically significant increase after varicocelectomy (Study 2). Conclusions: Varicocele alone and INOA with coexistent varicocele have completely different clinical, hormonal and sperm profiles.