Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Grade III Varicocele Surgical Treatment using Spermatic Vein-Superficial Abdominal Vein Shunt
Published on: August 23, 2024
High educational level associated with reduced semen quality in men with asymptomatic varicocele testis
1Department of Surgery, Randers University Hospital, Denmark.
Objective:
To investigate the relationship between education, intelligence, varicocele testis and semen quality.
Subjects And Methods:
Of 542 newly-enlisted soldiers (median age 20 years, range 20-24) 47 men were found who had varicocele testis. Semen quality was assessed in 39 of the men with a varicocele and compared with a similar group with no varicocele. The educational level and intelligence of both groups was also assessed and compared.
Results:
There was a significantly reduced quality of semen in men with varicoceles and in men with > 10 years of school education. There was no significant relationship between intelligence level and semen quality.
Conclusions:
The assumption that there is a relationship between educational level and semen quality in men with asymptomatic varicocele seems well-founded, and educational level should therefore be considered as an explanatory variable in future investigations; studies are also required to provide a biological explanation of this phenomenon.
Related Concept Videos
Spermatogenesis
Testes: Gross Anatomy
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and protection. This layer is covered by an outer serous membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which helps reduce friction...
Testes: Histology
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
Sperm Transport
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...
Sperm Structure and Semen Composition
Infertility in Males

