Varicocele and male infertility: Part II - Varicocele: effect on sperm functions

Despite the numerous studies published over the past decade, the role of va ricocele in male infertility is still controversial. Although more frequent in infertile men, its influence on sperm production or function has not, a s yet, been determined. Moreover, the exact mechanism of varicocele action is not clear. We have surveyed the literature, the correlation of varicocel e to sperm parameters and to sperm function tests, such as binding capacity , hypo-osmotic swelling test, presence of reactive oxygen species, and in p articular, the correlation to fertility potential. Almost every subject exa mined had contradictory results. Larger control studies may possibly elucid ate and clarify the cases in which varicocele is associated to sperm functi on, and where treatment may improve fertility.