The yield of microscopic varicocelectomy in men with severe oligospermia

Abstract

Introduction: Varicocele is detected in 35%–50% of men with primary infertility and up to 81% with secondary infertility. Various studies have shown that varicocele is related to testicular hypotrophy and impaired spermatogenesis. The effect of varicocelectomy in mild-to-moderate male factor infertility has been well reported. However, only a few studies addressed the impact of varicocelectomy in severe oligospermia. Methods: We included 45 patients with severe oligospermia (P > 0.05). Four patients (8.9%) were found to have azoospermia after a 6-month follow-up. In these four patients who turned azoospermic had count 6 months). Conclusion: The magnitude of improvement after microsurgical varicocelectomy for severely oligospermic patients is less profound than reported in mild male factor infertility.