Adolescent Varicocele: Who Is At Risk?

Main Category: Urology / Nephrology
Also Included In: Men's health
Article Date: 08 Feb 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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UroToday.com- A Study out of Bulgaria was performed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for the development of varicoceles among Bulgarian boys in the January 2008 issue of Pediatrics. This study briefly gives a definition that varicocele results from the abnormal dilation of the veins of the pampiniform plexus and is the most common identifiable cause of male infertility. Their hypothesis is that it can develop during puberty and therefore, can affect the testicular growth and function.

In a prospective manner, 6200 boys from 5 regions of Bularia who ranged from newborn to 19 years of age were evaluated for varicoceles. The group found that 4.1% of all investigated boys had varicoceles. The boys in this age group ranged 10 to 19 years of age. All of the 6,200 boys were clinically healthy. Along with Lambert volumes the group also evaluated height, weight, penile length, and penile circumference. When the two groups were matched for age the negative predictive factors associated with the development of varicoceles were height, penile length, and penile circumference. Whereas the group showed that weight and body mass index had a protective role. They found that the prevalence of varicoceles in their county demonstrated clear regional differences. Boys with dark eyes had varicoceles at a significantly higher rate than those with light eyes. Most of the disease process of varicoceles increased exponentially during mid puberty. The group concluded out of their study that the incidence of varicocele may be related to some somatometric parameters as well as being accelerated with pubertal development. They advocate longitudinal studies to help clarify this possible relationship between adolescent varicocele and pubertal development.

The biggest dilemma of who is truly at risk because of varicoceles remains the primary focus of varicocele research. We need to find truly objective data that can delineate which children are at risk for infertility in adulthood when they present with a varicocele. We need to further elucidate who would best benefit from early intervention.

Kumanov P, Robeva RN, Tomova A

Pediatrics. 121(1): 53-57, January 2008
Doi: 10.1542/peds.2007-0340

Reported By UroToday.com Contributing Editor Pasquale Casale, M.D

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