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Sperm dysfunction in subfertile patients with varicocele and marginal semen analysis
C A Villanueva-Diaz1, E A Vega-Hernandez, M A Diaz-Perez
1Clinica de Andrología, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, México D.F., México.
Andrologia
|October 20, 1999
Summary
Varicocele in subfertile men is linked to reduced sperm function, including motility and viability. These issues may impair sperm
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Urology
- Andrology
Background:
- Varicocele is a common cause of male infertility.
- Subclinical abnormalities in semen parameters can contribute to subfertility.
- Understanding these abnormalities is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare semen parameters in subfertile men with varicocele versus fertile men.
- To identify subclinical sperm defects associated with varicocele-induced subfertility.
- To investigate correlations between specific sperm function tests and varicocele grade.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of 40 subfertile men with varicocele and 40 fertile men.
- Assessment of: potentially functional spermatozoa, progressive motility, hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST), acrosome integrity, sperm viability (24 & 48h).
- Correlation analysis between semen parameters, varicocele grade, testicular volume, and serum FSH.
Main Results:
- Varicocele group showed significantly lower functional spermatozoa, progressive motility, acrosome integrity, and sperm viability.
- Abnormalities were not correlated with varicocele grade, testicular volume, or FSH levels.
- Positive correlations found between HOST and progressive motility (r=0.71), and functional spermatozoa and HOST (r=0.69) in varicocele patients.
Conclusions:
- Varicocele negatively impacts multiple sperm functions critical for fertility.
- Defects in sperm migration, viability, and fertilization potential may underlie varicocele-related subfertility.
- Semen analysis, including HOST, can reveal functional impairments even without clear links to varicocele grade.