Deterioration of semen parameters over time in men with untreated varicocele: evidence of progressive testicular damage.
OBJECTIVE
To report observations of semen parameters in men with untreated varicocele over time.


METHODS
Semen parameters in 13 men with varicoceles were obtained at initial presentation, and re-evaluated at a 9 to 96-month interval because of persistent infertility.


METHODS
Outpatient male fertility clinic.


METHODS
Thirteen men who presented for fertility evaluation and who were found to have varicocele(s) and normal semen parameters. Re-evaluation was performed because of continued fertility problems.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Semen parameters, especially sperm density, sperm mobility, and total sperm.


RESULTS
Statistically significant deterioration was noted from normal to abnormal.


CONCLUSIONS
In males with varicocele(s), normal semen parameters should not routinely be expected to remain normal over time.
Chehval
M J
MJ
St. Louis University School of Medicine, Missouri.
Purcell
M H
MH
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012661:Semen / Q000502:physiology*; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000502:physiology*; D014646:Varicocele / Q000503:physiopathology*