Seminal androgens, oestradiol and progesterone in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men with varicocele

Summary This study aimed to assess seminal androgens, oestradiol, progesterone levels in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic ( OAT ) men with varicocele (Vx). In all, 154 men with matched age and body mass index were investigated that were divided into healthy fertile controls ( n  = 35), OAT men with Vx ( n  = 55), OAT men without Vx ( n  = 64). They were subjected to assessment of semen parameters, seminal levels of testosterone (T), androstenedione (A), 5α‐androstane‐3 α,17 β‐diol (3 α‐diol), oestradiol (E 2 ), 17‐hydroxyprogesterone (17‐ OHP ) and progesterone (P). Seminal levels of T and A were significantly decreased where seminal levels of 3 α‐diol, E 2 , 17‐ OHP , P were significantly higher in OAT men with/without Vx compared with fertile controls. Sperm count, sperm motility and sperm normal forms percentage demonstrated significant positive correlation with seminal T and A and significant negative correlation with seminal 3 α‐diol, E 2 , P. It is concluded that in fertile men, seminal T and A are significantly increased and seminal 3 α‐diol, E 2 , 17‐ OHP , P are significantly decreased compared with infertile OAT men with/without Vx. Association of Vx demonstrated a nonsignificant influence on these hormonal levels in OAT cases. Sperm count, sperm motility and sperm normal forms demonstrated significant positive correlation with seminal T, A and significant negative correlation with seminal 3 α‐diol, E 2 , P.