Lactate and pyruvate levels in the testicular vein of subfertile males with varicocele as a test for the theory of underlying hypoxia.

To test for the theory of testicular hypoxia in subfertile males with varicocele, the testicular mean blood level of lactate and pyruvate was compared with that of a control group. Statistical analysis of data showed a lower mean of lactate and of pyruvate in the testicular vein of varicocele patients. It is concluded that in varicocele there is no accumulation of lactic acid, thus excluding testicular hypoxia.

Electrolyte concentration in semen.

Sodium and Potassium ion concentrations were determined in the semen by the atomic absorption photometry technique in three groups of infertile patients and values were compared with those of a normal control group. Comparison showed that differences are not statistically significant. Also no correlation was established between the concentration of the two electrolytes in any of the studied groups, or between electrolyte concentration and sperm motility or density.