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Review
. 2021 Feb;53(1):e13576.
doi: 10.1111/and.13576. Epub 2020 Apr 9.

Pathophysiology and treatment options of varicocele: An overview

Johnny S Su  1 , Nicholas J Farber  1 , Sarah C Vij  1
Affiliations
Review

Pathophysiology and treatment options of varicocele: An overview

Johnny S Su et al. Andrologia. 2021 Feb.

Abstract

Varicocele is the most common correctable cause for male infertility, but not all men with varicocele are affected equally by this condition. The pathophysiology of varicocele-induced fertility remains ill-defined. While evidence suggests that oxidative stress remains a central factor, other mechanisms likely include scrotal hyperthermia, reflux of metabolites, hypoxia and cadmium accumulation. Microsurgical varicocelectomy remains the gold standard treatment option for infertile men with a clinically palpable varicocele and abnormal semen parameters. Newer evidence suggests a potential role for antioxidant supplementation and a meaningful role of varicocelectomy for patients destined for ART to improve pregnancy outcomes.

Keywords: infertility; oxidative stress; spermatozoa; varicocele; varicocelectomy.

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References

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