Effects of micronised purified flavonoid fraction on pain, semen analysis and scrotal color Doppler parameters in patients with painful varicocele; results of a randomized placebo-controlled study

Abstract

Aim: Aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of micronised purified flavonoid fraction (Daflon(®)) on pain, semen analysis and color Doppler parameters in patients with painful varicocele.

Materials and methods: Forty varicocele patients whom have normal sperm concentration (>20 million/ml) were involved in the study. The patients were divided into two groups such as Daflon (n = 20) and placebo (n = 20) group. Pain score, semen analyses and Doppler sonography were performed in all patients before and after the treatment.

Results: In the first group, mean pain scores at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months were 1.80 ± 1.32, 1.15 ± 0.93, 1.05 ± 0.95 and 0.95 ± 0.89, respectively, all were significantly lower (P < 0.001 for each) than baseline (5.25 ± 1.07). While semen volume, total sperm count, sperm concentration and morphology were not changed significantly, the motility of sperm increased significantly (P = 0.015) due to decrease in grade 1 sperms at the 6th month in the first group. Reflux time of left spermatic vein during the Valsalva maneuver decreased significantly (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: Results of this study suggest the safety and efficacy of Daflon in the treatment of varicocele-associated pain. However, these results of the present study must be confirmed by randomized placebo-controlled studies by using different drug doses and durations before making any recommendation for the use of Daflon.