Background:

Male infertility emerges as an important cause during the evaluation of infertile couples. Varicocele is a well-known cause of male infertility. The role of seminal lactoferrin, an iron-binding glycoprotein, in male fertility is unclear and needs further investigation. Recently, it has been linked to some sperm abnormalities and subfertility.

Aim:

This study aims to detect seminal lactoferrin levels in infertile men with varicocele and their relation to semen parameters and fertility status. We investigated a possible link between seminal lactoferrin and iron.

Settings and Design:

A cross-sectional study was conducted through the outpatient clinic.

Materials and Methods:

Seventy-five individuals were included in 3 groups (33 infertile men with varicocele, 25 infertile men without varicocele and 17 fertile participants without varicocele). Conventional semen analysis was conducted, and seminal plasma was obtained in all …