title: Beneficial effects of varicocele embolization on semen parameters.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The value of varicocele repair and the latter's impact on semen parameters are still subject to debate.
  
  
  METHODS
  We analyse changes over time in initially abnormal sperm parameters and serum concentrations of testosterone, FSH and inhibin B after embolization treatment of males with high-grade varicocele. From 2007 to 2012, we recruited 47 male infertile patients with clinically visible left varicocele in the resting patient and at least one abnormal semen parameter. Sperm parameters and serum levels of total testosterone, FSH and inhibin B were measured prior to retrograde embolization (M0) and then 3 (M3) and 6 (M6) months afterwards.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At M0, the median sperm concentration was 5.78 [0.84-37.70] × 10(6)/ejaculate. The mean ± SD sperm progressive motility, vitality and percentage of normal sperm were respectively, 21.83 ± 16.48%, 61.88 ± 15.98% and 12.88 ± 7.15%. The corresponding values at M3 were significantly higher (38.75 [3.96-95] × 10(6)/ejaculate, 29.32 ± 14.21%, 69.14 ± 14.86% and 19.03 ± 11.02%, respectively). The mean percentage of spermatozoa with a thin head was significantly lower at M6 (6.35 ± 5.29%) than at M0 (14.03 ± 13.09%). The mean serum testosterone, FSH and inhibin B levels did not change significantly over time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Embolization treatment in men with clinically visible left varicocele, abnormal sperm parameters and documented infertility is associated with a significant improvement in semen parameters including sperm head morphology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Andrology, Lille University Hospital, Lille Cedex, France ; Department of Andrology, CHRU Lille, Hôpital Calmette, Boulevard du Professeur Leclercq, 59037 Lille Cedex, France.
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Prasivoravong
authors.affiliation: Department of Andrology, Lille University Hospital, Lille Cedex, France.
authors.forename: François
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Marcelli
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Lille University Hospital, Lille Cedex, France.
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lemaître
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Lille University Hospital, Lille Cedex, France.
authors.forename: Pascal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pigny
authors.affiliation: Department of Biostatistics, Lille University Hospital, Lille Cedex, France.
authors.forename: Nassima
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ramdane
authors.affiliation: Biology of Reproduction Unit, Lille University Hospital, Lille Cedex, France.
authors.forename: Marie-Claire
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Peers
authors.affiliation: Biology of Reproduction Unit, Lille University Hospital, Lille Cedex, France ; EA4308 Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality, University of Lille, Lille Cedex, France.
authors.forename: Valérie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.affiliation: Department of Andrology, Lille University Hospital, Lille Cedex, France ; EA4308 Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality, University of Lille, Lille Cedex, France.
authors.forename: Jean-Marc
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Rigot
keywords: Embolization; FSH; Inhibin B; Sperm parameters; Varicocele