Elevation of serum testosterone and free testosterone after embolization of the internal spermatic vein for the treatment of varicocele in infertile men

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the effect of internal spermatic vein (ISV) embolization on levels of serum testosterone and free testosterone and on spermatogenesis. Methods: The files of 83 infertile men treated for varicocele were reviewed for changes in serum testosterone, free testosterone and spermatogenesis after ISV embolization. Results: Mean serum testosterone concentration rose after embolization by 43%, from 12.07 ± 6.07 nmol/l to 17.22 ± 8.43 nmol/l (P < 0.001). Mean serum free testosterone concentration rose by 72%, from 5.93 ± 2.44 nmol/l to 10.21 ± 7.69 nmol/l (P < 0.001). Mean sperm concentration increased from 7.49 ± 1.73 × 106/ml to 18.14 ± 2.36 × 106 /ml (P < 0.001); mean sperm motility increased from 21.74 ± 2.47 to 34.47 ± 2.27% (P < 0.001); and mean sperm morphology increased from 6.63 ± 1.07 to 13.08 ± 1.44% (P < 0.001). Conclusions: ISV embolization apparently induces an increase in both serum testosterone and free testosterone concentrations and in sperm parameters in infertile patient with varicocele, regardless of the size of the varicocele. © European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology 2004; all rights reserved.