Varicocele and low testosterone.

Varicoceles are estimated to affect 15% of the general male population. The association between varicocele and infertility has been well established, as reflected by impaired spermatogenesis. However, it is also crucial to consider the role of testes in testosterone production and the effects of testosterone deficiency on overall male health. Patients with varicocele and low testosterone have been found to have an average increase of approximately 80 to 100 ng/dL in total testosterone levels after varicocele repair. In combination with other interventions, such as weight loss, varicocelectomy may provide sufficient improvements in testosterone levels without requiring medications. Further research is warranted to better define predictors of postvaricocelectomy improvements, such as age, baseline testosterone levels, and varicocele grade, and to clarify the clinical significance of postoperative testosterone increases.