Varicocele is detected in about one-third of men with subfertile semen
quality. Treatment by means of transcatheter embolization using the t
issue adhesive Histoacryl improves Sertoli cell function with increase
d concentrations of transferrin in semen, and a significant increase i
n sperm concentration, normal morphology and linear velocity. Failure
to attain pregnancy after varicocele treatment occurs if pre-treatment
sperm quality is normal, or in the case of azoospermia with elevated
blood FSH levels or obstruction, or when there is severe coincidental
pathology impairing fertility of the male or female partner. In all ot
her cases, the poor results of varicocele treatment reported in some s
tudies can only be explained by inadequate techniques. Varicocele dete
ction and embolization treatment at puberty or during adolescence shou
ld be advocated to prevent deterioration of testicular function.