Pituitary-gonadal function in schoolboys with varicocele and indications of varicocelectomy

Pituitary-gonadal functions were investigated by LH-RH test, HCG test and bilateral testicular biopsies in 5 boys with unilateral varicocele at various pubertal stages and the results were compared with those in the normal boys at puberty. The ages of the patients ranged from 12 to 18 years. With the progress of pubertal stage, both the basal value and response of serum FSH to LH-RH became higher as compared with normal boys. The basal value and response of serum LH showed no significant difference except for one case where higher values and no significant differences in the basal value and response of plasma testosterone to HCG stimulation were observed. The disturbance of spermatogenesis in the affected testis becomes prominent with the progress of puberty, while changes in the testis of opposite side were mild.