Relación entre varicocele, disfunción sexual y testostena baja

Abstract

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain penis erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse. It is one of the most common chronic health conditions in people over 40 years old and affects at least 12 million men in the United States. This pathology may be due to hormonal, vascular, psychological, and neurological factors. In addition, it has been linked to diseases such as diabetes, arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and testosterone deficiency, which can lead to hypogonadism. A varicocele is defined as a dilatation of the pampiniform plexus. The relationship of varicoceles to infertility is well-established due to their negative impact on spermatogenesis. In humans, this remains a matter of debate. A few studies have evaluated the connection of varicocele with erectile dysfunction. Objective: To describe the relationship between varicocele and low serum testosterone levels triggering erectile sexual dysfunction. Methodology: An exhaustive and systematic literature review of technical papers, indexed scientific articles, and meta-analysis was conducted. Results and conclusions: The most relevant complications produced by varicocele are infertility, hypogonadism, and erectile sexual dysfunction. A mean concentration of serum testosterone levels in patients with varicocele was found to be lower than in patients without this condition. Patients suffering from this medical problem show an increased risk of erectile sexual dysfunction, although not with the severity of erectile dysfunction.