Scott Hawley, a meiosis research expert who was not involved in the research. The study provides a roadmap for scientists to pursue studies in mammals and humans to confirm if the same mechanisms contribute to male infertility, said R. 15 in the journal Current Biology by researchers in Libuda's UO lab. This basic research discovery is detailed in a paper published online Oct. Eggs fertilized by these damaged sperm failed to produce offspring. elegans, a type of roundworm, led to a 25-fold increase in DNA damage in developing sperm compared to unexposed sperm. elegans, relatively small increases in temperature are sufficient to reduce male fertility," said Libuda.Īn increase of 2 C (3.6 F) above normal in C. The underlying mechanisms that damage sperm and impair fertilization are not completely understood. The phenomenon of heat-induced male infertility is well known, and the effects of modern exposures to heat such as hot tubs, tight clothing and excessive drive times have been extensively studied. Human studies have found that exposure to temperatures as little as 1 degree C (1.8 F) above this normal range adversely affects male fertility, said Diana Libuda, a professor in the Department of Biology and Institute of Molecular Biology. , is a urologist in Mankato, Minnesota.In humans, the optimal temperature for sperm production is just below body temperature, in a range of about 90-95 degrees F. Talk with your health care team if you have concerns about testicular pain or fertility, or if you have a sudden onset varicocele, as it could be a sign of other health conditions.ĭavid Yang, M.D. Most varicoceles develop slowly over time. A radiologist injects a coil or solution that scars and closes the troublesome veins, like leg varicose vein treatment. The procedure usually takes two hours in an operating room.Ī different procedure option is called embolization. The enlarged veins are closed off while the arteries are protected. During this procedure, the surgeon uses an operative microscope and a doppler probe to assess blood flow through the testicle. One type of surgery to treat varicoceles is called microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy. While the aim is to improve pain or fertility, the appearance of the varicocele may not change after surgery. Surgery aims to ligate the troublesome veins while preserving adequate blood flow through the arteries feeding the testicle. However, surgery may be necessary for men with significant testicular pain or low sperm counts affecting fertility or young boys with delays in testicle growth. Varicoceles that aren't causing pain, discomfort or other symptoms don't need to be treated. The cooler testicle temperatures are more conducive to a high sperm count. Similarly, men with fertility challenges are told to avoid hot tubs and saunas. Pooling blood in a varicocele can heat the testicles above the optimal temperature, leading to lower sperm counts. This is why the scrotum and testicles are outside the body cavity. Sperm production is most efficient at a lower temperature, about 4 degrees lower than the average body temperature. Varicoceles can affect fertility because they can affect the temperature of the testicle. About 40% of men with fertility problems have a varicocele. It's estimated that 10% to 20% of men diagnosed with varicoceles have difficulties fathering a child. Occasionally, the testicle with varicocele can be smaller than the unaffected testicle.Ĭhallenges conceiving a child can occur due to varicocele's effect on sperm production. It could look like a "bag of worms" if large enough, or only noticeable by touch. It's more pronounced when you're standing and less when lying down. They may not even know they have the condition. Varicoceles symptomsįor many men, varicoceles cause no symptoms or discomfort. In some patients, they can lead to impaired fertility. It's more common to have a varicocele on the left side of the scrotum because of differences in the vein anatomy. Varicoceles usually develop over time, beginning in puberty, but can occur at any age. They develop when blood pools in the veins instead of circulating out of the scrotum. Any vein can become varicose, including veins in the scrotum.Ībout 30% of men have enlarged and twisted veins in their scrotums. But it's not just the leg veins that can become twisted, enlarged, and feel achy or itchy. Many people have heard of varicose veins before.
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