Minh visited the Reproductive Support Center at Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City (IVF Tam Anh Ho Chi Minh City) for a health examination, intending to donate sperm. As he was not yet 20 years old, the minimum age requirement for donors, Doctor Nguyen Cong Danh advised the young man to undergo a reproductive health assessment.

The assessment revealed that Minh's testicular volume was average, but he had bilateral grade two varicocele. A semen analysis recorded only a few sperm. Minh had contracted mumps before puberty but experienced no complications like orchitis, and his sexual function was normal, leading him to believe his reproductive health was good.

According to Doctor Danh, varicocele can develop during adolescence and youth. Some individuals experience a sensation of heaviness, dull ache, or pain in the scrotal area, especially when standing for extended periods or engaging in physical activity. However, many cases present no noticeable symptoms.

Varicocele leads to blood pooling and an increase in scrotal temperature, which negatively impacts the process of sperm production and overall sperm quality. This condition often does not cause clear symptoms, so many men only discover it during a routine reproductive health check-up. Minh was also prescribed genetic tests to identify the cause of his oligozoospermia, but no abnormalities were detected.

Doctor Danh advised Minh to cryopreserve sperm and closely monitor his spermatogenesis, rather than waiting until he wishes to have children to address the issue. Minh plans to store his sperm as a preventive measure, then proceed with varicocele treatment to preserve his fertility.

Doctor Danh provides reproductive health consultation to Minh. Photo: IVF Tam Anh

According to Doctor Danh, abnormalities such as varicocele, undescended testicles, impaired function, or endocrine disorders may not cause clear symptoms but silently affect spermatogenesis. Men experiencing abnormal size or persistent pain in their genitals should seek early medical attention, rather than waiting until marriage or facing difficulties conceiving.

Individuals with a history of conditions affecting the testicles, such as mumps, trauma, genital surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, or those who frequently work in high-risk environments, should proactively check their reproductive function. Early detection allows for more time to monitor, treat underlying causes, and preserve fertility.

Nguyet Nhi

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