Association between Body Mass Index and frequency and grade of varicocele in southeast Iran

Background: Varicocele is associated with impaired spermatogenesis. It may also be associated with the patients' weight. We aimed to determine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the frequency and grade of varicocele among a sample of Iranian men in southeast Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during 2010 and 2011 among 167 men who referred to the University affiliated Urology Clinics in Zahedan, Iran. Expert urologists examined the patients for the existence of varicocele and determined its grade as I to III. The age, grade of varicocele, and the side of varicocele as well as the weight and height of the patients were measured and recorded. The patients were categorized in different age groups. Data were analyzed by using SPSS software. Results: The patients' mean age was 27.9 ± 7.6 years and their mean BMI was 23.5 ± 4.7 kg/ m2. Varicocele was more frequent in the age group of 20-30 years. Most patients had grade II varicocele without a significant difference between the age groups (P=0.11). The mean BMI of patients with right varicocele was not different from those with left varicocele (P=0.34). The BMI of patients with bilateral varicocele was not different with those having right (P=0.94) and left (P=0.17) varicocele. 17.9%, 56.5%, and 25.6% of the patients had varicocele grade I, II, and III, respectively. Conclusions: In patients with lower BMI, the testicular vein may have a higher grade of varicocele. Urologists should consider examining young, tall men to detect various grades of varicocele as a part of their physical examination.