Exploring the association between varicocele and testosterone deficiency in men over 50 years of age Journal Article
| Authors: | Kim, D. J.; Teloken, P. E.; Mulhall, J. P. |
| Article Title: | Exploring the association between varicocele and testosterone deficiency in men over 50 years of age |
| Abstract: | Objective: To define the impact of varicoceles (VX) on total testosterone (TT) levels in an aging male population. Methods: This retrospective analysis of a departmental database assessed patients ≥50 years of age, who had 2 testes, and recorded early morning TT levels. Patient demographics, comorbidity profiles, VX laterality, and VX grade were also analyzed. Results: Data were retrievable for 776 patients. Mean age was 66 ± 12 years. Around 140 (18%) patients had at least 1 VX on examination (VX+). Of these 118 (84%) had unilateral VX while 22 (16%) had bilateral. Mean TT for the VX+ group (336 ng/dL ± 168) was statistically significantly lower than for the VX- group (472 ng/dL ±267) (P<.01). Those with bilateral VX had lower TT (297 ng/dL) than those with unilateral VX (372 ng/dL) (P<.05). While 16% of the total VX+ population had TT levels <300 ng/dl, these rates were 11% and 24% in men with unilateral and bilateral VX (P<.01). In those with unilateral VX, there was a relationship between VX grade and testosterone deficiency, with the highest likelihood associated with Grade III (r = 0.65, P<.01). There was no association between Grade I and low T levels. Conclusion: In this population of men older than 50, the presence, laterality, and grade of VX were associated with lower levels of TT. © 2025 |
| Journal Title: | Urology |
| ISSN: | 0090-4295 |
| Publisher: | Elsevier Science, Inc. |
| Publication status: | Online ahead of print |
| Date Published: | 2025-06-13 |
| Online Publication Date: | 2025-06-13 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.urology.2025.06.029 |
| PUBMED: | 40523443 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Source: Scopus |
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