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Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing and Varicocele

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Abstract

The role of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in the pathophysiology of varicocele-associated male infertility has been increasingly recognized. The expanding utilization of SDF testing among andrology laboratories worldwide is made possible by the development of various SDF assays which allows the important genetic content of male gametes to be assessed. The application of SDF testing in patients with varicocele has been explored in an attempt to better select patients who will benefit from varicocele treatment. Current evidence supports the potential value of the test based on the association between clinical varicocele and high SDF and the reduction of SDF in the majority of patients after varicocelectomy. Recent guidelines have provided indications of SDF testing in patients with varicocele to whom the results may guide management decision.

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Cho, CL., Agarwal, A., Esteves, S.C., Majzoub, A. (2019). Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing and Varicocele. In: Esteves, S., Cho, CL., Majzoub, A., Agarwal, A. (eds) Varicocele and Male Infertility. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-79102-9_57

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-79102-9_57

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-79102-9

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