Testicular hormone concentration in men with varicoceles: immediate effects of varicocelectomy

As part of an investigation of the role of gonadal steroid concentrations and testicular function, testosterone (T), estradiol (E2) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) were measured in bilateral testicular biopsies from infertile men with varicoceles. The biopsies were performed randomly either immediately before or 1 hour after varicocelectomy in an effort to detect acute changes in testicular hormone concentrations. No significant differences were noted between these two groups nor was there consistent evidence of disturbed in vivo Leydig cell function. A wide range of testicular hormone concentrations was found in these biopsies, which did not correlate well with morphologic findings. This suggests that many different pathophysiologic conditions may exist in association with the presence of a varicocele.