Does having varicocele mean you're infertile? what options/actions could be taken to reduce the odds?

Not necessarily : While having a varicocele is associated with male factor infertility, it is not all-or-none. Many fertile men have a varicocele. Management of varicoceles in men with infertility are best addressed by a urologist who specializes in male infertility. Not all varicoceles are the same. In addition, surgery may be avoided depending on if undergoing infertility treatment (e.g. Ivf-icsi).

Surgery question: Common cause of male infertility is varicocele, which in a european study was found to affect 16.6% of men referred for infertility.Surgical repair of varicocele is recommended in case of secondary male infertility.There is some controversy on subject of surgery.Certain other factors enter into the formula including testicular size and fsh hormone determination. Should consult urologist for advice.