Varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of the veins around the testicles, which increases scrotal temperature and affects sperm production. It is a common cause of male infertility if not treated promptly. Doctors typically recommend intervention when patients experience prolonged testicular pain, decreased sperm quality, reduced testosterone, or testicular atrophy.

Dr. Duong Quang Huy (left) performs microsurgery to treat varicocele for a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital.

Grade three varicocele, which you have, is a severe degree. The dilated veins are large, tortuous, and clearly visible under the scrotal skin. This condition can diminish sperm quality and fertility over time.

Delaying treatment risks more severe testicular damage, leading to decreased testosterone, testicular atrophy, a significant reduction in sperm count, or even azoospermia (absence of sperm). Therefore, early treatment is advisable to preserve reproductive function and increase the chance of natural conception. If sperm quality improves well after intervention and the wife has no reproductive health issues, natural pregnancy is quite promising within the first year of follow-up.

At the Center for Reproductive Support, Tam Anh General Hospital, patients undergo clinical examination, scrotal doppler ultrasound, semen analysis, and reproductive hormone tests to assess the extent of the impact. If indicated, doctors perform microsurgical ligation of the dilated veins to improve spermatogenesis. Microsurgery, performed under a magnified microscope, accurately identifies the veins needing ligation while preserving the testicular artery and vas deferens, thereby reducing complications and the risk of recurrence.

After the procedure, patients typically recover quickly and have a follow-up semen analysis after about three months. Many cases show gradual improvements in sperm count, motility, and morphology, increasing the likelihood of natural pregnancy or enhancing the effectiveness of assisted reproductive treatments.

Master, Doctor, Second-Degree Specialist Duong Quang Huy

Head of Andrology Unit, Center for Reproductive Support

Tam Anh General Hospital System TP HCM