Pathophysiology and treatment options of varicocele: An overview
- PMID: 32271477
- DOI: 10.1111/and.13576
Pathophysiology and treatment options of varicocele: An overview
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.
© 2020 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.
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