Varicocele: The Main Cause for Male Infertility

  • Renata Pâmella Fonseca
  • Luciana Conci Macedo
Keywords: Assisted Reproduction, Varicocele, Infertility

Abstract

General occurrence of varicocele in healthy male population lies between 10 and 15% and percentage rises to 38% among males who seek assisted reproduction service. Varicocele is a condition that involves the swelling of the pampiniform plexus that drains blood from the testicles. Reverse blood flow is impaired by small contrary valves, while defects in the valves or compression may cause the swelling of the vessel and a decrease of the testicle volume. A physical examination is basic for diagnosis and should be undertaken in a non-refrigerated environment which favors relax of the scrotal muscle. Varicocele may be corrected by surgery or by percutaneous embolization. Assisted reproduction has produced success rates with regard to conception through the use of gametes obtained directly from the testicles. Early detection of alterations and surgery eliminate successfully more than 90% of varicocele. Surgery is still the best option for fertility with higher cost-benefit than any other assisted reproduction. Current paper is a bibliographical review to verify the prevalence of males suffering from infertility caused by varicocele, physiopathological processes, diagnostic treatments and importance of reproduction techniques in patients.

Author Biography

Luciana Conci Macedo
Doutoranda do Programa de Pós Graduação em Biociências Aplicada a Farmácia-UEM
Published
2015-06-22
Section
Artigos de Revisão