The Varicocele and Semen Characteristics

Abstract

The physical presence of a varicocele is not always associated with an alteration in sperm cell concentration and a reduction of semen characteristics is more likely in men with reduced sperm counts. A higher pregnancy rate after varicocele ligation occurred in wives of patients in the lower sperm count groups. Other forms of therapy also were associated with pregnancy in wives of men with varicoceles. The post-surgical pregnancy rate was 25% compared to 12% in the non-surgical group.