For many men facing infertility, the root cause can often be traced to a common yet frequently overlooked condition: varicocele. If you’ve been searching terms like “low sperm count cause” or “how to treat varicocele for fertility,” you are not alone. Fortunately, a highly specialized procedure called microscopic varicocelectomy offers hope—especially when performed by a fellowship-trained expert such as Dr. Paul Gittens, one of the nation’s leaders in sexual medicine and male infertility.
What Is a Varicocele—and How Is It Different from Varicose Veins?
A varicocele is a collection of enlarged veins within the scrotum—similar in appearance to varicose veins found in the legs. However, the location and impact of varicoceles are what make them particularly significant. These dilated veins interfere with the proper cooling of the testicles, which is essential for healthy sperm production.
Varicoceles are surprisingly common, affecting approximately 15% of all men and up to 40% of men experiencing infertility. Despite their prevalence, varicoceles often go undiagnosed and untreated.
How Does a Varicocele Affect Fertility?
Though research is ongoing, several well-supported theories explain how varicoceles impair male fertility:
Increased scrotal temperature: Elevated testicular temperature disrupts spermatogenesis.
Oxidative stress: Impaired venous drainage leads to toxin buildup and oxidative damage to sperm DNA.
Hormonal disruption: Varicoceles may reduce testosterone levels, impacting sperm production and function.
Decreased blood flow: Reduced oxygen delivery can affect Leydig and Sertoli cell function, vital for sperm and hormone synthesis.
These factors often contribute to low sperm count, poor motility, abnormal morphology, and hormonal imbalances—all key contributors to infertility.
Why Is Microscopic Varicocelectomy the Gold Standard?
Microscopic varicocelectomy is widely regarded as the most effective treatment for varicoceles. Unlike older techniques involving larger incisions and less precision, this microsurgical approach uses a high-powered operating microscope to identify and preserve critical structures—including arteries, lymphatics, and the vas deferens—while selectively removing only the problematic veins.
The benefits of this microsurgical technique include:
Recurrence rates below 1%
Minimal risk of complications
Faster recovery times
Significantly improved fertility outcomes
This level of precision is especially important when fertility preservation is the goal, making fellowship training essential for optimal results.
Why Choose Dr. Paul Gittens?
Dr. Paul Gittens is among the nation’s top urologists specializing in male infertility and sexual medicine. He is fellowship-trained in microsurgical varicocelectomy, a distinction held by only a select group of surgeons in the United States. This advanced training ensures the highest standard of surgical accuracy, preserving critical anatomy and maximizing fertility outcomes.
Patients travel from across the country to seek Dr. Gittens’ expertise—not only for his surgical skill but also for his compassionate, individualized approach. He understands the physical and emotional challenges of infertility and is dedicated to helping men regain their fertility and confidence.
What Results Can You Expect?
Microscopic varicocelectomy is associated with significant improvements in semen quality and pregnancy rates. Clinical studies report:
Sperm count increases in 60–80% of patients
Improved sperm motility and morphology
Spontaneous pregnancy rates between 30% and 50% within the first year after surgery
Hormonal improvements, including elevated testosterone levels in some men
These outcomes are most pronounced when the procedure is performed by a fellowship-trained surgeon using the microsurgical approach.
Who Is a Candidate for Microscopic Varicocelectomy?
You may be an appropriate candidate if you:
Have a diagnosed clinical varicocele
Are experiencing infertility without other identifiable female factors
Have low sperm count or reduced motility
Experience testicular discomfort or pain
Have a recurrent varicocele following previous surgery
Are exploring male fertility treatment options before pursuing assisted reproductive technologies like IVF
Procedure and Recovery
Microscopic varicocelectomy is typically performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia and lasts one to two hours. Most patients resume light activities within 48 hours and return to work within a few days.
Full recovery—including improvements visible in semen analysis—usually takes three to six months. Hormonal benefits may also manifest within this timeframe.
Final Thoughts
When addressing varicoceles and male infertility, precision and expertise are critical. Microscopic varicocelectomy, performed by a fellowship-trained urologist like Dr. Paul Gittens, offers the best chance to improve sperm quality, hormone balance, and natural conception rates—without the high recurrence or complication risks associated with traditional methods.
If you or your partner are struggling with infertility and have been diagnosed with a varicocele, schedule a consultation with Dr. Gittens to learn how this advanced microsurgical procedure can help you build your family with confidence.
