The Effect of Varicocelectomy on Serum Testosterone Levels in Infertile Men with Varicoceles

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effect of varicocelectomy on serum testosterone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the effect of varicocelectomy on serum testosterone levels in 53 infertile men with varicoceles. RESULTS: Mean serum testosterone increased from a preoperative level of 319 +/- 12 to 409 +/- 23 ng./dl. postoperatively (p < 0.0004). Men with at least 1 firm testis preoperatively had a greater increase in serum testosterone (p < 0.005). An inverse correlation was noted between preoperative testosterone levels and change in testosterone after varicocelectomy (r = -0.34, p < 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Varicocelectomy can increase serum testosterone for infertile men with varicoceles. Although improvement in serum testosterone does not necessarily cause a direct improvement in semen quality, varicocelectomy may improve hormonal and spermatogenic function.