What was investigated and what was found?
Five controlled observational studies evaluated 633 men and reported associations favouring varicocele repair.
Interpreting the findings
This is not randomized evidence and is limited to selected patients with clinical varicocele.
How can you prepare for a consultation?
For a discussion of varicocele research, compare any existing examination, ultrasound and treatment records with the study population. Ask whether the research was observational or randomized and whether it assessed semen changes, sperm retrieval or pregnancy. An association in selected patients should not be interpreted as the same expected outcome for every patient with azoospermia.
