Varicocele and Male Infertility- is there any link?

Male infertility typically involves one having a low sperm count. Varicocele (swollen veins within the testicles) is the main contributing factor leading to decrease in the number and formation of abnormal structure sperms and can have a negative effect on those wishing to start a family.

Many men often do not know they have a varicocele until they are evaluated for infertility. Varicoceles occur in 15% of all men, and are thought to be involved in up to 40% of cases of infertility. The good news is there is a non surgical varicocele infertility treatment option now available in Pakistan.

How does a varicocele cause infertility?

Varicoceles raise the temperature of the testicle, which affects the development of sperm. This increase in temperature has two effects. First, it leads to a decrease in the production of testosterone, which is the male hormone involved in the production of sperm.

This decrease in testosterone leads to a reduction to the number of sperm produced and may also lead to defects in the development of the sperm so that the motility, or the ability of the sperm to swim, is impaired. The increased temperature is also thought to lead to a rise in reactive oxygen species, which is said to damage the sperm's DNA and membrane, or outer coating. All of these effects harm the health of the sperm.

How to Treat Varicocele Infertility Without Surgery?

Hopefully you have a better understanding of the link between varicocele and infertility. More importantly, you should be aware of the treatment options that are available to reverse varicoceles. Varicoceles can be reversed through a nonsurgical minimal invasive treatment option called Varicocele Embolization. This treatment can alleviate the varicocele and lead to improvements in the sperm count and quality.

What are chances of getting pregnant after Varicocele Embolization?

The main reason men tend to consider varicocele embolization treatment is the possibility of improving fertility. About 3 months after treatment, sperm count can go up and the health of the sperm can improve. Following varicocele embolization 30-50% of couples become pregnant.

Dealing with varicocele can be a challenge, but with the right guidance, it is certainly manageable. Before jumping to any conclusions on your own, it is always best to discuss your concerns with a professional interventional radiologist to receive expert advice.