Resolving Uncertainty in Male Infertility: Ginza Repro Surgery Launches 'Varicocele Newsletter'

Ginza Repro Surgery (Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Director: Koichi Nagao) will begin distributing its newsletter, 'Varicocele Newsletter,' on May 28, 2026, aimed at deepening understanding of male infertility and 'varicocele.'

Supervised by Dr. Koichi Nagao, the newsletter will provide information on male infertility treatment and varicocele, utilizing internet survey data on fertility treatment, patient questionnaires, and comments from medical professionals.

Infertility is not solely a female issue; international guidelines confirm that male factors are involved in approximately half of all cases. In a recent opinion exchange with media representatives, Ginza Repro Surgery found that all female participants were unaware that half of infertility causes lie with the male partner, nor were they familiar with the term 'varicocele.'

Varicocele is a condition where blood flow from the testicles is obstructed, causing veins in the scrotum to swell like a knot. It is considered the cause in approximately 15% of the general male population and about 40% of male infertility patients. Dr. Nagao stated, 'If the importance of this is understood through the media, it could reduce the burden on those undergoing fertility treatment and contribute to Japan's measures against the declining birthrate.'

The first issue of the newsletter focuses on the 'cognitive gap and hurdles to action' among couples. Surveys show that while 77.5% of women undergoing fertility treatment recognize that men share the cause, only 27.5% are aware of varicocele. Conversely, while 86.0% of men recognize they may be a cause, 44.0% are unaware that semen analysis and varicocele ultrasound are different tests, highlighting a disconnect between knowledge and action.

Ginza Repro Surgery aims to address this gap through monthly information dissemination. Those interested in subscribing can register by emailing info@ginzarepro.jp.