Pathophysiology and treatment options of varicocele: An overview

AndrologiaVolume 53, Issue 1 e13576 INVITED REVIEW Pathophysiology and treatment options of varicocele: An overview Johnny S. Su, Corresponding Author Johnny S. Su jss231@case.edu orcid.org/0000-0002-1144-4120 Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA Correspondence Johnny S. Su, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Q10, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. Email: jss231@case.eduSearch for more papers by this authorNicholas J. Farber, Nicholas J. Farber Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USASearch for more papers by this authorSarah C. Vij, Sarah C. Vij orcid.org/0000-0001-8282-2339 Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USASearch for more papers by this author Johnny S. Su, Corresponding Author Johnny S. Su jss231@case.edu orcid.org/0000-0002-1144-4120 Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA Correspondence Johnny S. Su, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Q10, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. Email: jss231@case.eduSearch for more papers by this authorNicholas J. Farber, Nicholas J. Farber Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USASearch for more papers by this authorSarah C. Vij, Sarah C. Vij orcid.org/0000-0001-8282-2339 Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USASearch for more papers by this author First published: 09 April 2020 https://doi.org/10.1111/and.13576Citations: 25Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Abstract Varicocele is the most common correctable cause for male infertility, but not all men with varicocele are affected equally by this condition. The pathophysiology of varicocele-induced fertility remains ill-defined. While evidence suggests that oxidative stress remains a central factor, other mechanisms likely include scrotal hyperthermia, reflux of metabolites, hypoxia and cadmium accumulation. Microsurgical varicocelectomy remains the gold standard treatment option for infertile men with a clinically palpable varicocele and abnormal semen parameters. Newer evidence suggests a potential role for antioxidant supplementation and a meaningful role of varicocelectomy for patients destined for ART to improve pregnancy outcomes. Citing Literature Volume53, Issue1Special Issue: An Update on Male Infertility: Factors, Mechanisms and InterventionsFebruary 2021e13576 RelatedInformation