Can varicocele cause obstructive azoospermia?
Varicocele can result in generalized impairment of sperm parameters characterized by abnormal semen quality, varying from oligospermia to complete azoospermia [1, 5].
Can azoospermia from varicocele be fixed?
The authors concluded that if azoospermia is not too long-standing, the treatment of varicoceles may significantly improve spermatogenesis or renew sperm production. In addition, adequate treatment may spare 50% of azoospermic patients from TESE in preparation for ICSI.
Can varicocele cause non obstructive azoospermia?
Varicocele often results in sperm production disorders marked by the abnormal quality of semen, ranging from oligospermia to azoospermia [2]. Non-obstructive azoospermia was reported at 4.3 to 13.3% in infertile men with clinical varicocele [3].
Why does varicocele cause azoospermia?
Introduction: Varicocele disease is well-known cause of infertility in men. The presence of spermatic varices veins create a hostile environment to spermatogenesis. It results in reduced quality of the sperm production and in some cases can determine a total absence of sperm.
How is non obstructive azoospermia diagnosed?
Azoospermia is diagnosed when no sperm are found in the ejaculate. It is important to note that at least two semen samples should be examined for accurate assessment [5]. In addition, absence of sperm should be confirmed by centrifugation of the semen specimen.
Can mild varicocele cause azoospermia?
In some cases, varicocele can cause azoospermia, or the complete lack of sperm in the ejaculate. Since varicoceles are so common and since they usually go undetected throughout life, likely around 80% of men with varicoceles are able to conceive with their partners without any medical intervention.
What can cause varicocele?
Varicocele Causes Varicoceles are believed to be caused by defective valves in the veins within the scrotum, just above the testicles. Normally, these valves regulate the flow of blood to and from the testicles. When normal flow doesn’t occur, the blood backs up, causing the veins to dilate (enlarge).
Can varicocele cause permanent infertility?
There is no evidence that varicoceles inevitably make a man infertile. In 10 to 20 percent of men, the varicocele comes back after surgery. Men who notice swollen veins should not assume they will have fertility issues, though they may wish to discuss the risk with a doctor.
Can varicocele cause azoospermia?
Azoospermia is observed in 10-15% of infertile men and 60% of these cases are classified as having non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). NOA results from testicular failure, and one of the causes of this is the presence of varicocele.
What is the difference between Pre-testicular and testicular azoospermia?
In pre-testicular azoospermia, the testicles and genital tract are normal but are not appropriately stimulated by the hormonal system to produce sperm. In testicular azoospermia, the testicles themselves are abnormal and unable to produce sperm. Together, pre-testicular and testicular azoospermia are called nonobstructive azoospermia.
What is azoospermia?
Azoospermia is a condition in which there is no sperm in the ejaculate. Azoospermia is present in 1% of men in the general population and in 15% of men with infertility. Azoospermia is not the same as aspermia, which is the complete absence of seminal fluid upon ejaculation.
What are the treatment options for acquired testicular azoospermia?
The specific treatment for acquired testicular azoospermia also depends on the etiology of the condition. For example, azoospermia associated with a varicocele may in some instances be corrected by a surgical procedure known as varicocelectomy (varicocele repair).