The Influence of Varicocelectomy Age on Semen Parameters and Fertility Rates

Objective: Varicocele is the most frequently observed correctable cause of infertility in men. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the influence of age at the time of varicocelectomy on semen parameters and fertility. Methods: Infertile men who underwent microsurgical varicocelectomy between January 2012 and December 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into 4 age groups as follows: group 1 including patients aged ≤25 years old, group 2 including patients aged ≥26 and ≤30 years old, group 3 including patients aged ≥31 and ≤35 years old, and group 4 including patients aged ≥36 years old. Results: A total of 138 infertile men were divided into 4 groups. There were 18 men in group 1, 58 men in group 2, 44 men in group 3, and 18 men in group 4. There were significant improvements in the mean sperm concentration, progressive motility, and total motile sperm count values in all groups after surgery. Significant improvement in sperm morphology was detected only in groups 1 and 2 (p=0.007 and p=0.005, respectively). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of preoperative and postoperative sperm parameters. Total fertility rate and the number of patients having children with natural conception or assisted reproductive techniques were lower in group 4 but these differences were not statistically significant (p=0.083 and p=0.454, respectively). Conclusion: Varicocelectomy can be recommended for all infertile men regardless of age. There was no difference in postoperative semen parameters and fertility rates between the age groups.