Factors related to semen improvement and fertility after varicocele operation

Factors related to semen improvements and fertility after high ligation of the left internal spermatic vein were investigated in 97 men from infertile couples. Changes in some semen characteristics after operation suggest a relationship between varicocele size and semen improvements and an inverse relationship between preoperative semen values and semen improvements. An inverse relationship seemed to exist between varicocele grades and deterioration of semen values. Fertility after operation was related to age and to semen improvements. Preoperative semen characteristics had no prognostic value for postoperative fertility.