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Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Combination of High Ligation and Intraoperative Embolization using Polidocanol for Treatment of Varicoceles
Published on: December 22, 2023
Introduction: Varicoceles: a contemporary perspective
1Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.
Insights
Varicoceles, common in male infertility evaluations, negatively impact sperm DNA integrity and function. Surgical correction can improve semen parameters, fertilization, and pregnancy rates.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Andrology
- Urology
Background:
- Varicoceles are highly prevalent in men seeking infertility evaluation.
- Traditionally, varicoceles are linked to reduced semen parameters like sperm concentration, motility, and morphology.
Discussion:
- Emerging evidence indicates varicoceles exert broader, multi-faceted effects on male reproductive health.
- Sperm DNA integrity and other sperm function aspects are demonstrably impacted by varicocele presence.
Key Insights:
- Varicocele correction can lead to significant improvements in semen parameters.
- Successful varicocele treatment is associated with enhanced fertilization and pregnancy rates.
Outlook:
- Further research into the comprehensive impact of varicoceles on male fertility is warranted.
- Optimizing varicocele management strategies may improve outcomes for infertile men.
Abstract:
In this Views and Reviews section, four groups of authors address the timely and highly relevant issue of varicoceles across the male life spectrum. Varicoceles are very prevalent among men presenting for an infertility workup. While reduction in bulk semen parameters (including sperm concentration, motility, and morphology) has long been recognized as a deficit caused by varicoceles, in recent years a number of investigators have shown that varicoceles can have broader, multi-faceted effects on male reproductive health. Sperm DNA integrity and other aspects of sperm function appear to be impacted by the presence of varicoceles, and varicocele correction can result in significant improvement in not only semen parameters, but also fertilization and pregnancy rates.
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