Induction of spermatogenesis and achievement of pregnancy after microsurgical varicocelectomy in men with azoospermia and severe oligoasthenospermia

Abstract

Objective: To characterize treatment outcome after varicocele repair in men with azoospermia and severe oligoasthenospermia.

Design: Prospective nonrandomized study.

Setting: University-based medical center.

Patient(s): Seventy-eight men with a palpable varicocele and absolute azoospermia (n = 22) or severe oligoasthenospermia (n = 56).

Intervention(s): Microsurgical varicocelectomy.

Main outcome measure(s): Sperm count and pregnancy rate.

Result(s): Twelve (55%) of the 22 men with azoospermia and 35 (69%) of the 51 men with zero motile sperm before surgery had motile sperm observed in their ejaculate after varicocele repair. The total number of motile sperm per ejaculate increased from 0.08 +/- 0.02 x 10(6) before varicocelectomy to 7.2 +/- 2.3 x 10(6) afterward. Twenty-four men (31%) contributed to pregnancies leading to live births (15 unassisted [19%]), including 3 men with azoospermia preoperatively.

Conclusion(s): Varicocele repair resulted in the induction or enhancement of spermatogenesis for most men with azoospermia or severe oligoasthenospermia. Unassisted pregnancies after varicocele repair in men with profound abnormalities of spermatogenesis are possible. Varicocele repair should be considered for all men with azoospermia and severe oligoasthenospermia.