Effect of Varicocelectomy on Spermatogenic Cell Count and Semen Parameters

Starting soon · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Varicocele, Male Infertility, Infertility, Varicocelectomy

In brief

This study aims to evaluate how varicocele surgery (varicocelectomy) affects the number of immature sperm cells (spermatogenic cells) found in the semen of infertile men. Varicocele, an abnormal dilation of veins in the scrotum, is a common cause of male infertility that can negatively impact semen quality and overall testicular function. While surgery is widely performed to improve standard semen parameters, this study specifically investigates its impact on the shedding of immature germ cells into the seminal fluid, which can be an indicator of impaired sperm production. Researchers will enroll 40 infertile married men, aged 20 to 45, who have been diagnosed with a clinical varicocele and exhibit abnormal semen parameters. All participants will undergo a single surgical intervention known as a subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy. To measure the effects of the surgery, participants will undergo careful semen analysis before the procedure, and again at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The primary goal is to track changes in the spermatogenic cell count and abnormal sperm morphology, and to explore how these changes correlate with conventional semen parameters like sperm concentration, motility, and vitality.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07684963

Run by

Assiut University

People needed

40

Starts

2026-08-01

Expected to finish

2027-09-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-07-06

Who can join

Age: 20 and older, up to 45. Sex: male. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Infertile married males diagnosed with clinical varicocele.
• Age between 20-45 years.
• Patients indicated for varicocelectomy according to standard clinical guidelines.
• Abnormal or suboptimal semen parameters on at least two semen analyses.

You may not qualify if…

• Azoospermic patients (complete absence of sperm in semen).
• History of previous varicocelectomy or scrotal surgery.
• Presence of other known causes of infertility (e.g., genetic abnormalities, obstructive azoospermia).
• Active genital infection or systemic infection affecting semen analysis.
• Use of medications affecting spermatogenesis within the last 3 months (e.g., testosterone, chemotherapy).
• Chronic systemic diseases known to affect fertility (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, liver failure).
• Severe leukocytospermia as confirmed by peroxidase (Endtz) test exceeding WHO reference limits.
• Pus cell > 1 million/ml by peroxidase.

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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