INCIDENCE OF VARICOCELES IN MEN WITH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY INFERTILITY

Objectives. To determine whether varicoceles are more prevalent in men with secondary infertility than in men with primary infertility. Meth ods. The records of 2188 consecutive men attending three infertility c enters were reviewed to determine the incidence of varicoceles in men with primary and secondary infertility. In addition, other factors aff ecting both male and female infertility were assessed in these patient s. Results. The incidence of varicoceles was not significantly differe nt between the 1447 men with primary infertility versus the 741 men wi th secondary infertility: 44% and 45%, respectively. The incidence of vasal agenesis was significantly greater in men with primary infertili ty (P < 0.001). In addition, the female partner was significantly olde r in couples with secondary infertility (P < 0.001). Conclusions. Thes e findings do not support the conclusion that varicoceles have a progr essive adverse effect on fertility over time and suggest that further study is needed to determine whether varicocele repair is indicated in patients with normal semen parameters.