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Testosterone and Varicocele.

Russell P Hayden1, Cigdem Tanrikut1

  • 1Department of Urology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, GRB 1102, Boston, MA 02114, USA.

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|May 3, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Varicocele, a dilation of testicular veins, negatively impacts sperm production and Leydig cell function, potentially lowering testosterone. Surgical repair may improve androgen production in select men.

Keywords:
Androgen receptorErectile dysfunctionHypogonadismLeydig cellSteroidogenesisTestosteroneVaricoceleVaricocelectomy

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Andrology
  • Urology

Background:

  • Varicocele is characterized by abnormal dilation of the pampiniform plexus.
  • It is strongly associated with male infertility, affecting spermatogenesis.
  • Emerging evidence indicates varicocele also impairs Leydig cell function and testosterone production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence linking varicoceles to impaired steroidogenesis.
  • To identify patient cohorts who may benefit most from varicocele repair.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on varicocele, infertility, and testosterone levels.
  • Analysis of data on Leydig cell function and steroidogenesis in varicocele patients.
  • Evaluation of outcomes following varicocelectomy regarding androgen production.

Main Results:

  • Varicocele is associated with impaired Leydig cell function and reduced serum testosterone levels.
  • Spermatogenesis is negatively affected by varicocele.
  • Varicocelectomy can potentially reverse some adverse effects on androgen production.

Conclusions:

  • Varicocele exerts a pantesticular insult, affecting both sperm production and testosterone synthesis.
  • Careful patient selection is crucial to optimize outcomes from varicocele repair for hormonal dysfunction.