Comparative analysis of semen parameters in adolescent males with and without varicocele.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare semen parameters between adolescents with clinically diagnosed varicocele and healthy controls, in order to evaluate the potential impact of varicocele on spermatogenesis during adolescence.

Materials and methods: Fifty-nine adolescent males were included in this cross-sectional study. Thirty participants had clinically confirmed varicocele, while 29 served as healthy controls. Semen samples were collected following a 4-day abstinence period and were analyzed for volume, concentration, total sperm count, motility, and morphology according to WHO criteria. Morphological evaluation was performed using Kruger strict criteria. Statistical comparisons between groups were conducted using the t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, depending on data distribution.

Results: Semen volume, total sperm count, and Kruger morphology scores were significantly lower in the varicocele group compared to controls (p < 0.05). Although sperm concentration was lower in the varicocele group, this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.0598). No significant differences were observed between groups in terms of total motility, progressive motility, or immotile sperm rate.

Conclusion: Adolescent varicocele may negatively affect key semen quality parameters, particularly sperm morphology and total sperm output. These findings support the importance of regular semen analysis and close monitoring in adolescents with varicocele, especially in those presenting with abnormal parameters.