Preoperative semen analysis as a predictor of seminal improvement following varicocelectomy. Fertil Steril 2001 Jan;75(1):63-8
Date
02/13/2001Pubmed ID
11163818DOI
10.1016/s0015-0282(00)01644-7Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0035158061 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 48 CitationsAbstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictive role of preoperative semen analysis on both seminal improvement and pregnancy rates following varicocelectomy.
DESIGN: Retrospective data analysis.
SETTING: Two academic medical center infertility clinics.
PATIENT(S): One hundred ten consecutive patients who underwent varicocelectomies. Seminal improvement data were available for 84 patients, and pregnancy data were available for 58 patients.
INTERVENTION(S): Stratification of patients based on preoperative total motile sperm count (TM). Varicocelectomy was performed on all patients.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): TMs, pregnancy rates, and conception techniques following varicocelectomy of each preoperative group.
RESULT(S): Men with mild to moderate oligoasthenospermia (TM >5 million) had significantly better seminal improvement following varicocelectomy. While preoperative stratification showed no difference in pregnancy rates (when assisted reproductive techniques were included), men who achieved a postoperative TM >20 million were more likely to achieve conception by less invasive techniques (natural and intrauterine insemination vs. in vitro fertilization [IVF]).
CONCLUSION(S): Varicocelectomy may be the most cost-effective initial intervention in males with TM >5 million. Patients with TM <5 million and concomitant female factor infertility may be better initial candidates for IVF.
Author List
Matkov TG, Zenni M, Sandlow J, Levine LAAuthor
Jay I. Sandlow MD Chair, Professor in the Urologic Surgery department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultFemale
Humans
Male
Pregnancy
Retrospective Studies
Semen
Sperm Count
Varicocele