Varicocele & Male Fertility: Can Surgery Improve Your Chances of Conception?

Varicoceles have an impact on male fertility depending on where they are located and the degree of their development. The condition occurs when there is a blockage in the blood vessels supplying the testicles. This blockage causes the blood to pool and the blood vessels to swell causing discomfort, sometimes pain. More crucially, varicoceles can result in low hormone production, low sperm production, and diminished sperm quality. Treating varicoceles surgically can improve fertility for men who desire to build families. So how do varicoceles affect sperm production? How does one know they have varicoceles? Can varicocele surgery really improve my chances of building a family? Keep reading, because this is what we shall be discussing here.

How Varicoceles Affect Sperm Production

Varicoceles affect sperm production because they twist around the testicle and are swollen, in a sense ‘squeezing’ or ‘choking’ the testicles. The testicles are the location where testosterone is produced, it is also the location where sperm are developed and produced. When varicoceles develop, the temperature around the testicles increases due to the pooled blood. The pressure within the testicle increases, and there is a lowered supply of oxygen because blood flow is compromised. This causes the testicles to be inefficient in both the production of testosterone and by extension, sperm. 

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Varicoceles

The Symptoms

Varicoceles are common, but they do not typically cause any symptoms. They tend to develop over time, starting around puberty. While they may cause discomfort, they rarely cause any symptoms or complications. However, when varicoceles cause further symptoms they could be in the form of: 

• Pain or discomfort, 
• The development of a visible or tangible mass in the testicle. 
• Significantly differing sizes between the two testicles. 
• Poor hormone and sperm production leading to infertility. 

The Diagnosis

To begin with, a person’s symptoms will be evaluated, then likely a physical examination of the scrotum will be conducted. If varicoceles are not visible or tangible, medical equipment such as an ultrasound may be used to detect them. Additionally, a blood test is done to evaluate hormone production, and a semen analysis for sperm quantity and quality. 

Surgical Treatment Options

A varicocelectomy is surgery done under anesthesia to treat varicoceles. The surgical approach used depends on the location and size of the varicoceles. Below are the various surgeries that can be done: 

Minimally Invasive Surgery Options

A Laparoscopic Varicocelectomy begins by making small incisions in the abdomen. Surgical instruments and a laparoscope are passed through these incisions and the surgery is conducted. 

A Microsurgical Varicocelectomy makes an incision on the upper part of the groin to start, then using  a surgical microscope and microsurgery instruments the procedure is done.  

Open Surgery Options

Inguinal Ligation an incision is made at the inguinal canal located at the lower part of the groin and the varicocele is ligated.

Subinguinal Ligation accesses the varicocele from the lower part of the inguinal canal and then the surgeon ligates it.

Retroperitoneal Ligation accesses and ligates the varicocele through the peritoneum, the internal abdominal lining.

Success Rates of Varicocele Repair & Fertility

Studies show that varicocele repair improves fertility outcomes for men. This was marked by improved sperm production and improved sperm retrieval, as well, higher pregnancy and live birth rates. 

Therefore if you would like to know more, or have concerns about male factor infertility, , contact Utah Fertility Center to consult with our team of experts. We are happy to support you on your fertility journey, helping you achieve your family building goals. 

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