Canadian Varicocelectomy Initiative (CVI): Effects on Male Fertility and Testicular Function of Varicocelectomy

A varicocele is the presence of dilated testicular veins in the scrotum. Although it is generally agreed that a varicocele is the most common identifiable pathology in infertile men (detected in up to 40% of men in some series of men with infertility), the influence of a varicocele on male fertility potential and role of varicocelectomy in restoring of fertility remain the subject of ongoing controversy. The present controversy on the effect of varicocelectomy on male fertility potential has led many clinicians to dismiss the diagnosis of a varicocele altogether and instead, offer alternative treatments to the couple. Many of these alternative therapies are expensive and risky for the patients and their children. Several recent reviews have critically examined the results of randomized, controlled trials of varicocelectomy on fertility potential. The effect of varicocelectomy on spontaneous pregnancy rates remains controversial. The investigators hypothesize that a varicocelectomy will result in a significant improvement in fertility and testicular function in infertile men with a clinical varicocele.