title: Varicocele repair in the era of modern assisted reproductive techniques.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This review looks at the literature on varicocele repair and its effect on assisted reproductive techniques. The effects of varicocele correction on improved sperm production have been well documented with semen analysis data. What remain to be elucidated are the causes of the varicocele effect and how correction of the resultant pathophysiology may affect the outcomes of modern assisted reproductive technology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Basic science research shows us that varicoceles exert deleterious effects on Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and germ cells via very different mechanisms. The effects of varicocele correction on the reproductive potential of sperm are less well understood. Clinical research has shown improved semen parameters, DNA integrity, and assisted reproductive technology outcomes after varicocele repair.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Varicocele correction presents a possible method to optimize a couples' reproductive potential or decrease the need for complex assisted reproductive technology.
authors.affiliation: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McIntyre
authors.forename: Tung-Chin
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Hsieh
authors.forename: Larry
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lipshultz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004249:DNA Damage; D005298:Fertility; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; D055101:Semen Analysis; D013091:Spermatogenesis; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000473:pathology; D013737:Testis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D013521:Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male / Q000009:adverse effects; D014646:Varicocele / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*