Varicoceles and fertility

[deniseandshawn]

Hi Dr. Roseff,

I saw a urologist for the first time today and after a physical exam it was identified that I have varicoceles. I saw the urologist as per a recommendation from the fertility specialist my wife and I are working with due to my low and abnormal sperm counts, and he recommended that I now undergo an ultrasound and potentially a variocelectomy.

Does a variocelectomy increase the chances of natural conception and/or IUIs in some cases? Or do some couples still have to follow through with an IVF?

Thank you in advance for your help.

[Scott Roseff MD]

Hi,

The purpose of a varicocelectomy is to hopefully improve sperm to a significant enough point where someone who may have needed IVF/ICSI can undergo something simpler, such as IUI or intercourse to conceive. Or, it may improve sperm that necessitated IUI to the point of allowing natural conception post-op. In other words, it wouldn't make sense to do the surgery if IVF is going to be the outcome irrespective of what the sperm show post-op.

I hope this makes sense, and wish you success!!!!
P.S. - IF you are going to have surgery, make sure you see someone who does a LOT of varicocele repairs and who uses an operating microscope...

Dr. Roseff in Florida

[deniseandshawn]

Thank you for your answer Dr. Roseff.

We are following your advice and made sure that the operating doctor is using a microscope for the varicoceles repair.

I am also taking chlomid three days a week in hopes, that combined with the surgery it may higher our chances of conceiving naturally or undergoing a IUI!