How long should one wait after a varicocelectomy to see results? I have heard three to nine months. My husband had a varicocelectomy three months ago and the summary says there has been no significant results. Is this likely to improve with time? Exactly how is the surgery supposed to help, and why might it take a while for results to show?

--Sonya

A varicocele is a dilation (enlargement) of the veins of the scrotum. This pooling of blood in the testicle causes an increase in temperature, which may interfere with the testicle's production of sperm. Up to 60 percent of men with varicocele will note an improvement in their sperm production after surgical repair.

Repair consists of tying or clipping the veins. This is performed through a small incision in the groin. Improvement can be seen in as little as three months, and further improvement may be seen for up to two years. If you see no improvement at all by six months, you should consider alternative therapies.