Beneficial effects of varicocele embolization on semen parameters

Basic and Clinical Andrology

Jean-Marc Rigot³  Valérie Mitchell³  Marie-Claire Peers²  Nassima Ramdane⁷  Pascal Pigny⁵  Laurent Lemaître⁶  François Marcelli¹  Julie Prasivoravong⁴ 

[1]Department of Andrology, Lille University Hospital, Lille Cedex, France

[2]Biology of Reproduction Unit, Lille University Hospital, Lille Cedex, France

[3]EA4308 Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality, University of Lille, Lille Cedex, France

[4]Department of Andrology, CHRU Lille, Hôpital Calmette, Boulevard du Professeur Leclercq, 59037 Lille Cedex, France

[5]Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Lille University Hospital, Lille Cedex, France

[6]Department of Radiology, Lille University Hospital, Lille Cedex, France

[7]Department of Biostatistics, Lille University Hospital, Lille Cedex, France

关键词: Embolization;    Inhibin B;    FSH;    Sperm parameters;    Varicocele;   

Others  :  792856
DOI  :  10.1186/2051-4190-24-9

 received in 2014-02-10, accepted in 2014-04-28,  发布年份 2014

【 摘 要 】

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] × 10⁶/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] × 10⁶/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.

【 授权许可】

   
2014 Prasivoravong et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

【 图 表 】

Figure 1.

Figure 2.

Figure 3.

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