Varicoceles are the most common cause of male infertility

There are numerous causes for male infertility, such as varicoceles, hormonal dysfunction, physical trauma, obstructions, diseases (sexually transmitted diseases, cancer, anemia) and side effects from certain drugs.

Varicoceles are the most common cause of male infertility. Varicoceles are abnormal and/or enlarged veins that surround the testicles, and are similar to varicose veins in the leg. Normally the blood drains from the testicle upwards into the abdominal cavity. When patients have varicoceles, the blood does not drain normally and flows back towards the testicles, keeping them at a higher than normal temperature.

Varicoceles are present in nearly 15% of all men, and up to 40% of men visiting infertility clinics. However, varicoceles do not always lead to fertility problems, nor do all require treatment. Varicoceles are primarily diagnosed by a physical exam or by ultrasound, and may be treated surgically, laparoscopically or percutaneously (venographic embolization).