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Chapter 15 - Should Varicocele Be Operated on Before IVF?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 May 2020

By
Shannon H. K. Kim  and
Victoria Nisenblat
Edited by
R. John Aitken ,
David Mortimer  and
Gabor Kovacs
R. John Aitken
Affiliation:
University of Newcastle, New South Wales
David Mortimer
Affiliation:
Oozoa Biomedical Inc, Vancouver
Gabor Kovacs
Affiliation:
Epworth Healthcare Melbourne
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Summary

Varicocele is the most common surgically correctable factor identified in infertile men. The negative impact of varicocele on testicular function, semen parameters and fertility potential have been well recognized for decades. Despite this, the role of varicocele repair in managing infertility remains controversial, especially since the advent of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). This chapter details the current status of varicocele in male infertility. We describe the anatomy, pathophysiology and diagnostics of varicocele and discuss the methods of repair. We then take a critical look at the efficacy and clinical utility of varicocele repair in infertile couples, with an emphasis on clinical benefits for couples undergoing ART.

Keywords

varicocelemale Infertilityreproductive outcomesmicrosurgical varicocelctomy
Type
Chapter
Information
Male and Sperm Factors that Maximize IVF Success , pp. 176 - 188
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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