Overview of the Condition
What is male infertility?
Male infertility is the inability of a man to help achieve a pregnancy after 1 year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. It is often caused by problems with sperm production, sperm function, or sperm delivery.
Why is it important?
Infertility affects about 40-80% of Indian men. Male infertility can make it difficult for a couple to have a baby. Finding the cause early can help improve the chances of successful treatment and pregnancy.
Who is commonly affected?
The risk of male infertility is higher in men who:
- Are older
- Smoke or drink excessive alcohol
- Are overweight or obese
- Have certain medical conditions, infections, or hormone problems
- Have a family history of fertility problems
- Are exposed to heat, radiation, or harmful chemicals
Symptoms
The main symptom is:
- Inability to father a child after 1 year of regular, unprotected sex
Some men may also have:
- Problems with sexual function (difficulty with ejaculation or erection)
- Pain, swelling, or a lump in the testicle
- Less facial or body hair (a sign of hormone problems)
- A lower than normal sperm count
Procedure Overview and Preparation
What is varicocelectomy and why is it done?
A varicocelectomy is an operation to repair enlarged veins (varicocele) in the scrotum. It is done to improve fertility, reduce testicular pain, or help prevent further damage to the testicle.
Procedure Overview
Step-by-step
- You will receive anaesthesia so you do not feel pain
- The surgeon makes a small cut in the groin, lower abdomen, or below the groin
- The enlarged veins are located and tied off or sealed to stop abnormal blood flow
- Blood is redirected through healthy veins
- The incision is closed with stitches, and you are moved to the recovery area
Time required
- 1–2 hours
Risks, Benefits and Hospital Stay
Risks and Complications
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Bruising or swelling
- Fluid build-up around the testicle (hydrocele)
- Injury to nearby blood vessels or the testicular artery
- Recurrence of the varicocele
- Persistent pain or fertility problems
Benefits
- May improve sperm count, movement, and quality
- May increase the chances of pregnancy
- Can relieve testicular pain caused by a varicocele
- Helps improve blood flow to the testicle and may prevent further damage
Duration of Hospital Stay
- Varicocelectomy is usually a day-care (outpatient) procedure, so most patients go home the same day
When to Contact a Doctor
Contact your doctor if you have:
- Fever or chills
- Increasing pain not relieved by medication
- Heavy bleeding from the incision
- Redness, swelling, or pus from the wound
- Severe swelling of the scrotum
- Difficulty passing urine
Myths and Facts
Myth 1: Male infertility is always caused by the woman. Fact: Male factors contribute to infertility in up to half of infertile couples.
Myth 2: If a man can have sex, he cannot be infertile. Fact: A man can have normal sexual function and still have problems with sperm production, function, or delivery.
Myth 3: Surgery is needed for all men with infertility. Fact: Surgery is recommended only for certain causes, such as a varicocele. Many men are treated with medicines or assisted reproductive techniques.
Myth 4: Varicocelectomy guarantees pregnancy. Fact: Varicocelectomy can improve sperm quality and increase the chances of pregnancy, but it does not guarantee pregnancy.
References
- Male infertility. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20374773/ Accessed on: 10 July 2026.
- Maqsood K, Mehmood T, Maqbool HH, et al. Trends in male infertility burden in South Asia: a 30-year analysis of DALYs, prevalence, and future projections based on GBD 2021. Front Reprod Health. 2025;7:1697925.
- Varicocelectomy. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24234-varicocelectomy/ Accessed on: 10 July 2026.
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