How do varicoceles affect male infertility? is the sperm count decreased?

Hot Rocks!?: Many people believe that the varicocele increases the heat in the scrotum. The heat may be the cause of sperm damage. Not every varicocele causes a decrease in semen quality. Sperm motility is often most affected. Surgery or embolization can be helpful but often it is unclear if needed. Always check partner too. I like sperm function tests like acrosome reaction to help decide on treatment.

Heat; sometimes.: Varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of testicular veins. These veins normally drain blood from testicles and return it toward the heart. Blood pooling in enlarged veins causes the testes to become hotter than normal (like a car’s engine!) affecting cells and dna in the testis. If sperm abnormalities, low testosterone, or pain, then varicocelectomy (microsurgical) is often treatment of choice.