Based on a recent study published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, adolescent boys treated surgically for varicocele have a good chance of fertility in reproductive years. The study was slightly limited by the fact that some participants had not attempted to conceive at the conclusion of the study.
Varicocele screening was used to determine varicocele in a study population of 969 boys between the ages of seven and 18. Patients were treated surgically for the condition. Semen analysis parameters were assessed prior to surgery and at three months post-surgery. Fertility status was later determined based on pregnancy rate.
About 10% of the tests revealed varicocele. The number of positive tests was highest in the group of boys between 15 and 18 years of age. The pregnancy rate post surgery was 75% in the portion of the study pool who attempted to conceive by the conclusion of the study. In total, 23 patients showed improved fertility associated with surgical treatment.
Source: Pajovic B, Radojevic N. Prospective follow up of fertility after adolescent laparoscopic varicocelectomy. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2013 Apr;17(8):1060-3.
