The prevalence and severity of varicocele in adult population over the age of forty years old: a cross-sectional study

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and severity of varicocele in adult population over the age of 40. We also measured testicular size, consistency, and total testosterone levels with an aim to observe the effect of varicocele on testis as men age.

Methods: Two hundred twenty-four patients with varicocele, 241 patients without varicocele who admitted to our clinic were enrolled in the study. We stratified participants by four age groups (40–49, 50–59, 60–69, >70?yr). Patients were grouped according to varicocele grade and laterality. The morning testosterone level was drawn. The subgroups were compared with each other.

Results: Overall, varicocele prevalence was 48%. Of the patients, 104 had unilateral, 120 had bilateral varicocele. Of the patients with varicocele, 62 (13.30%) were found as grade 3, 99 (21.10%) were grade 2, and 63 (13.60%) were grade 1. The percentages of smaller testes in grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 varicocele group were 20.60, 79.80, and 88.70 and a significant association was detected. Age stratification of the data revealed the smaller and soft testis prevalence as well as higher grade varicocele prevalance increased in older age groups.

Conclusions: Varicocele presence is associated with lower testicular size, softer testicular consistency, and lower testosterone levels, especially in older patients with bilateral and high-grade varicocele.