What is the relationship between varicocele and infertility?

       Varicocele is a common disease in young adult men, with a prevalence of about 20% in the general male population and about 40% in infertile men. Varicose veins are vascular lesions, which are abnormal expansion, elongation and tortuosity of the trabecular plexus in the spermatic cord. Varicose spermatic veins are mostly found on the left side, accounting for about 85% to 90% of cases and 10% of cases bilaterally.  The varicocele can be clinically classified into three degrees. degree I: not obvious on palpation, but the varicose veins can be felt when the patient holds his breath and increases abdominal pressure (Valsalva test). degree II: the varicose veins can be felt on palpation. degree III: the scrotum is enlarged and the varicose veins are visible on the surface of the scrotum with the naked eye.  As a result of poor blood flow to the affected testis, local hypoxia and accumulation of metabolites, the spermatogenic epithelium of the varicocele is damaged and the quality of semen decreases, and there may be discomfort and swelling in the affected scrotum. The main treatment for varicocele is varicocele high ligation, which is a relatively simple operation and has a quicker recovery. Common complications after spermatic vein ligation include postoperative edema, testicular artery damage and recurrence of varicocele, which are generally less likely to occur. Patients with varicocele often have improved sperm DNA quality after surgery due to a decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which is generally more evident after 3-6 months postoperatively.  Not all varicose veins require surgical treatment, so what exactly are the conditions of varicose veins that require surgery?  Indications for varicocele surgery: 1.Conspicuous varicocele, heavy scrotal swelling and pain 2.No serious varicocele, abnormal semen (density, vitality, morphology), poor effect of medication 3.Atrophy of testicle on varicocele side, testicular volume difference more than 2ml