Mysteries, Facts, and Fiction in Varicocele Pathophysiology and Treatment

Development of varicocele in the human has been associated with reduced male reproductive potential. Induction of left experimental varicoceles in the rat, rabbit, and monkey results in a bilateral detrimental effect on testicular endocrine and exocrine function. This review discusses mechanisms mediating the consequences of varicocele on male reproductive potential, indications for the treatment of varicocele, and techniques for varicocelectomy and reviews the difficulties in the interpretation of studies evaluating the effect of varicocele reversal on semen parameters and male reproductive potential.