ADOLESCENT VARICOCELE

It is important to note that there is potential for impaired fertility whenever a palpable varicocele is present. Unfortunately, no test or group of tests can predict with absolute certainty whether an adolesce nt with a varicocele will be fertile or infertile. Therefore, it is im portant to observe untreated patients until they complete their famili es. Currently, we recommend varicocele repair in adolescents when (1) the results of semen analysis are abnormal; (2) the volume of the left testis is at least 3 mL less than that of the right testis; (3) the r esponse of either luteinizing hormone or FSH to Gn-RH stimulation is s upranormal; (4) bilaterally palpable varicoceles are detected or (5) a large symptomatic varicocele is present.