Varicocele or dilatation of the spermatic veins can affect the reproductive capacity of the male, especially when it is a grade 3 varicocele. Some of the consequences of this male alteration are shown in the image:
- Lesions in the hypothalamus-pituitary-testes axis, which causes alterations in the production of spermatozoa and testosterone.
- Decreased testicular size.
- Decreased sperm production.
- Increased oxidative stress and as a consequence the DNA of the spermatozoa is also affected.
Despite this, there is a small percentage of men who have managed to have offspring naturally.
Read the full article on: Can pregnancy be achieved with testicular varicocele? ( 72).
By Andrea Rodrigo B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist), Marta Barranquero Gómez B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist) and Romina Packan (invitra staff).
Last Update: 01/12/2024
