The impact of age on fertility rate in patients who underwent microsurgical varicocelectomy

Abstract

Impacts of a subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy on the sperm parameters and fertility rates were investigated in three different ages according to their age at the time of the varicocelectomy: Group 1 was <= 20 years old, Group 2 was 21-30 years old, and Group 3 was >= 31 years old. The patients were also classified both preoperatively and post-operatively according to the total motile sperm count (TMSC) into the following categories: invitro fertilisation, intrauterine insemination and naturally fertile. The proportion of patients who upgraded to a higher TMSC category level was calculated, and natural fertility rates were recorded. The mean infertility duration was statistically longer in Group 3, compared to Group 1 and 2. The mean TMSCs and normal sperm morphology rates increased in all groups. The mean post-operative natural fertility rates were similar. The highest rate of TMSC upgrade was observed in Grade 3 varicocele patients under 20 years of age, compared to other grades of varicocele in patients older than 20 years. A microsurgical subinguinal varicocele repair, which is an effective treatment modality reduces the need for any type of ART, has an important impact on the TMSC increase in patients, particularly in the younger population.