Varicocele Treatment in Azoospermia Before Artificial Reproductive Techniques: Critical Considerations by the EAU Guidelines Panel on Sexual and Reproductive Health

There is some evidence suggesting potential benefits of varicocelectomy in men with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), but it is not of sufficient quality to support a strong recommendation for this procedure. There is a possible benefit of surgical correction of clinically detectable varicocele in NOA patients without known genetic abnormalities and with a partner with no evidence of diminished ovarian reserve. Patient counseling should highlight the variability of the outcome data and the limited strength of the evidence available.

Published by European urology, 2026. The guideline itself is at the source linked here.

doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2025.12.017