Treating varicocele in 2018: current knowledge and treatment options

Purpose Varicocele is defined as a state of varicosity and tortuosity of the pampiniform plexus around the testis caused by retrograde blood flow through the internal spermatic vein. The prevalence of clinically relevant varicocele ranges from 5 to 20% in the male population and is often associated with infertility and reduction of sperm quality. In this review, the pathophysiology and clinical aspects of varicocele are reviewed along with therapeutic options and treatment effects on sperm parameters and fertility both in adult and in pediatric/adolescent subjects.