Varicocele and puberty--the critical factor?
In some boys varicocele develops before puberty, when the testis is immature and vulnerable. Based on testicular size, evidence suggests that the time of development of a varicocele in relation to puberty may be the critical factor in the subsequent development of infertility. The recognition and treatment of an early-developing varicocele may help to reduce the infertility associated with this condition.
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D011627:Puberty; D013737:Testis / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors; D014646:Varicocele / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology