What are my treatment options for a varicocele and low sperm count?

You have been diagnosed with a condition that resembles a varicose vein of the testicle. We call this a varicocele. It usually happens on the left testicle. About a third of the time, the condition can be found on both testicles. If it occurs only on the right, your doctor should make sure there are no abnormalities in the abdomen that is causing this condition.

This condition can be associated with a low sperm count (azoospermia), a small testicle (testicular atrophy) and infertility.

Surgery can remove the dilated set of veins that surround the testicle.

But the sperm count returns to normal in only a small percentage of patients. The success rate is greater if the condition is corrected at an earlier age, usually before age 20.

Some couples place the ability to have children as a high priority. Even though sperm count might not rise to normal with correction of a varicocele, it may increase the sperm count enough for conception. Urologists are the specialists who do the surgery. Because it is relatively safe, most urologists will correct the varicocele in this situation.

In addition to providing advice on the varicocele, a urologist who deals with male fertility problems will also explore other possible causes of a low sperm count. During the physical exam, the doctor might discover some other problem, such as abnormal testicular size. Blood tests may be indicated to look for a hormonal problem.