Varicocele ligation to improve sperm retrieval in men with non-obstructive azoospermia

Testicular Sperm Retrieval Rate After Varicocele Ligation in Men With Non Obstructive Azoospermia.

NA · South Valley University · NCT07008495

This trial will try varicocele ligation (surgical repair of dilated scrotal veins) in men with non-obstructive azoospermia to see if it increases the chance of finding sperm for assisted reproduction.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 60 Years
SexMale
SponsorSouth Valley University (other)
Locations1 site (Qina, South Valley)
Trial IDNCT07008495 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study enrolls men with non-obstructive azoospermia who have a clinically palpable varicocele and performs varicocelectomy to determine subsequent testicular sperm retrieval rates. Patients undergo surgery at a single center with follow-up to check for the appearance of sperm in the ejaculate and to record outcomes of any subsequent testicular sperm extraction or assisted reproduction. Men with obstructive causes, non-palpable varicoceles, known genetic syndromes such as Klinefelter, or uncorrectable female infertility are excluded. The primary focus is the change in ability to retrieve motile sperm after varicocele repair and its potential impact on ART success.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Men diagnosed with non-obstructive azoospermia who have a clinically palpable varicocele, no obstructive cause, no disqualifying genetic syndrome, and partners without uncorrectable infertility are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Men with obstructive azoospermia, non-palpable varicoceles, known genetic causes like Klinefelter syndrome, or couples where the female partner has irreversible infertility are unlikely to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the procedure could allow some men with NOA to produce sperm suitable for use with ICSI or avoid more invasive retrieval procedures, improving their chances of biological fatherhood.

How similar studies have performed: Prior studies report that varicocele repair has restored sperm to the ejaculate and improved ART outcomes for some men with NOA, but results have been inconsistent and the evidence remains limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Men with non obstructive azoospermia.
* Clinically palpable varicocele ( unilateral or bilateral ).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known cases of obstructive azoospermia.
* Non palpable varicocele.
* Uncorrectable female causes of infertility.
* genetic abnormalities like klinefelter syndrome.

Where this trial is running

Qina, South Valley

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Non-obstructive Azoospermia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.