AB191. Varicocelectomy decreases sperm DNA fragmentation index in infertile men

Objective: To observe the routine semen parameters (semen concentration, progressive motility, normal morphology) and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) with correlation to varicocelectomy.

Methods: A total of 120 infertile men meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this retrospective study. Related data, including semen parameters and DFI were collected and analyzed.

Results: There was a significant elevation of semen concentration, progressive motility and normal morphology after the varicocelectomy; by contrast, a decrease of DFI was observed postoperatively.

Conclusions: Varicocelectomy was associated with an elevation of routine semen parameters and an improvement of sperm DNA damage in infertile male. However, studies better designed and larger subjects involved are warranted to better address this relationship.

Keywords: Varicocelectomy; sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI); infertile