Can you still be fertile with varicocele?
Most men who have varicoceles do not have fertility problems. Infertility rates among those with varicoceles, however, are higher than those without them. This difference may be because varicoceles interfere with the body’s ability to make and store sperm.
What are the chances of getting pregnant with varicocele?
After varicocele surgery, varicoceles may recur in about 10% of men and up to 30-50% of couples will become pregnant. Varicocele embolization is successful 90% of the time, and close to 50% of couples will become pregnant.
How does varicocele decrease fertility?
How Does Varicocele Affect Fertility? A varicocele causes an increase in the temperature of the testicles, which affects sperm development. Sperm counts decrease by an estimated 40% for every degree the testicles rise in temperature. A low sperm count is the most common cause of male infertility.
Can you regain fertility after varicocele?
While approximately 15% of men have a varicocele, about 40% have a varicocele in at least one testicle among men evaluated for infertility. Surgical repair of varicocele can restore fertility when this is the source of the problem [2].
How many men with varicoceles are infertile?
Varicoceles are identified in 35-40 percent of men with primary infertility and 81 percent of men with secondary infertility (men who were able to father a child in the past).
Can a Grade 1 varicocele cause infertility?
Also, men with grade 1 varicocele tend to have a low sperm count about 20% lower than men who do not have the incidence. Most of men are not aware of the fact that there is an immense risk of lowered semen quality, mainly affecting and lowering sperm count due to the mildest grade of varicocele.
What percentage of men with varicocele have infertility?
Summary. Varicoceles are identified in 35-40 percent of men with primary infertility and 81 percent of men with secondary infertility (men who were able to father a child in the past). Studies have shown that varicocele causes progressive duration-dependent injury to the seminiferous epithelium.
Does size of varicocele matter?
found less improvement in sperm count in men with grade 3 varicocele than men with smaller varicoceles. Our data showed that patients with varicocele of grade 2 had better recovery in sperm motility and count (16.3% vs. 14.4% and 30.5 × 106/mL vs. 12.9 × 106/mL).
Can a grade 1 varicocele cause infertility?
How does a varicocele affect fertility?
How Does Varicocele Affect Fertility? A varicocele causes an increase in the temperature of the testicles, which affects sperm development. [i] Sperm counts decrease by an estimated 40% for every degree the testicles rise in temperature. [ii] A low sperm count is the most common cause of male infertility.
What is the link between varicocele and infertility?
Pain: aching pain when an individual has been standing or sitting for long periods of time and pressure builds up on the affected veins.
How do varicoceles affect fertility?
Varicoceles are a common cause of decreased sperm quality and low sperm production, leading to infertility. In some cases, varicoceles can lead to azoospermia. Approximately 40% of men with fertility problems have varicoceles [1] “American Society for Reproductive Medicine (2008). Report on varicocele and infertility.
Do varicocele treatments improve fertility?
Treatment of varicocele can often improve sperm quality and improve pregnancy rates. But, based on randomized controlled studies, pregnancy outcomes are mixed and may be dependent on baseline semen parameters, the woman’s fertility status and size of the varicocele.