Semen Analysis in Young Men with Varicocele

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Abstract
Our aim was to determine whether the deleterious effect of varicocele on spermatogenesis, as reflected by semen analysis, occurs in boys as young as 17 to 19 years. Data analysis was done of semen variables of select boys attending randomly chosen schools. A total of 36 healthy boys without a pathological condition detected by history, physical examination and scrotal ultrasound served as controls, and 38 with profound varicocele who were otherwise healthy served as an experimental group. All boys were followed as outpatients 2 times during the last year. We performed semen and clinical examinations, Doppler ultrasound assessment of venous reflux, and ultrasound measurement of testicular and pampiniform vein diameters. No significant differences were found in sperm concentration, volume, presence of spontaneous agglutination and pH between the 2 groups. There were significant differences in total and progressive sperm motility and vitality, which were lower in boys with varicocele, as were the number of normal sperm forms. There was a statistically and clinically significant linear negative relationship between sperm motility, and maximal and basal blood flow velocities as well as pampiniform vein diameter. Varicocele can affect spermatogenesis in boys as young as 17 to 19 years, as shown by the decrease in motility, vitality and number of normal forms of spermatozoons. The clinically significant correlations between semen analysis parameters and ultrasound findings allow the prediction of testicular function using ultrasound alone.