New findings in male factor infertility.
Scientists at the Weill Cornell Medical Center have recently discovered that varioceles - varicose veins in the testicles - can be caused by low levels of testosterone.
If a man suffers from low testosterone, it may cause andropause (the male equvilent of the menopause). Symptoms include low energy levels, lowered levels of muscle strength, a lack of interest in sex, inability to get an erection and in some cases, depression.
Dr. Goldstein found that varicoceles causes low testosterone levels and that following surgery to remove varicoceles, these levels improved by as much as 100% in more than two thirds of the men who took part in the study.
Surprisingly, the condition can be hereditory and is present in a staggering 15% of all males and is thought to be responsible for 35% of cases of infertility and up to 80% of cases of secondary infertility (difficulty getting pregnant after the successful birth of a first child).
Dr. Goldstein has developed microsurgery to remove varicoceles and he says after such a procedure, testosterone and fertility levels are subsequently restored.
