SYMPOSIUM
Year : 2011 | Volume
: 27 | Issue : 1 | Page : 58--64
Varicocele-induced infertility: Newer insights into its pathophysiology
Michael L Eisenberg, Larry I Lipshultz
Department of Urology, Division of Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
Correspondence Address:
Larry I Lipshultz
Lester & Sue Smith Chair in Reproductive Medicine, Chief, Division of Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery, Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, 6624 Fannin Street, Suite #1700, Houston, Texas 77030
USA
The association between varicoceles and male infertility has been known since the 1950s; however, the pathophysiology of the process remains uncertain. The primary proposed hypotheses involve hyperthermia, venous pressure, testicular blood flow, hormonal imbalance, toxic substances, and reactive oxygen species. It is difficult to identify a single or dominant factor, and it is likely that many of these factors contribute to the infertile phenotype seen in clinical practice. Moreover, patient lifestyle and genetic factors likely affect patient susceptibilities to the varicocele insult. While the current studies have weaknesses, they provide building blocks for futures studies into the pathophysiology of the varicocele.
How to cite this article:
Eisenberg ML, Lipshultz LI. Varicocele-induced infertility: Newer insights into its pathophysiology.Indian J Urol 2011;27:58-64
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How to cite this URL:
Eisenberg ML, Lipshultz LI. Varicocele-induced infertility: Newer insights into its pathophysiology. Indian J Urol [serial online] 2011 [cited 2013 Jun 19 ];27:58-64
Available from: http://www.indianjurol.com/article.asp?issn=0970-1591;year=2011;volume=27;issue=1;spage=58;epage=64;aulast=Eisenberg;type=0 |
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