Varicocele in adolescence: where are we now?

Curr Urol Rep. 2012 Aug;13(4):311-7. doi: 10.1007/s11934-012-0256-y.

Abstract

The exact pathophysiology of varicocele and the subsequent alteration of spermatogenesis has been the subject of much debate. Despite an enormous amount of literature on the subject, the appropriate management of varicocele in the adolescent patient population has not yet been clearly elucidated. While not every male with varicocele will be subfertile, the possibility potentially lends credence to early diagnosis for those in whom treatment will have an impact.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Gonadotropins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia / complications
  • Hypoxia / physiopathology
  • Infertility, Male* / etiology
  • Male
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Spermatogenesis
  • Testis / growth & development
  • Testis / physiopathology*
  • Varicocele / complications
  • Varicocele / physiopathology*
  • Varicocele / surgery

Substances

  • Gonadotropins