Editing Varicocele (section)

== Associated Pathologic Processes ==

* '''Can impair testicular growth and fertility with a progressive and duration-dependent decline by interrupting counter-current heat exchange provided by pampinoform plexus, resulting in increased testicular temperature'''
*# '''Testicular growth'''
*#* “Catch-up” growth, defined as normalization of left relative to right testicular size, occurs in 32-83% of patients after varicocele repair
*#* '''Significant discrepancy between left and right testicular size remains the primary indication for varicocele correction'''
*# '''Fertility'''
*#* Reliable standards for semen quality based on Tanner stage or age do not exist
*#* '''Trends toward poorer sperm quality may be limited to a subset of affected males with varicocele'''
*#** '''Varicocle grade and postoperative testicular catch-up growth do not reliably predict ultimate semen quality'''
*# '''Hormonal Function'''
*#* '''LH and FSH levels are not consistently different in the presence or absence of varicocele in adolescents'''