What was investigated and what was found?
Sperm and selected hormonal parameters after varicocele repair were compared across 9 studies.
Interpreting the findings
A change in semen parameters is not equivalent to pregnancy or live birth.
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.
