Sperm improvement after varicocele surgery. 86% and morphology by 9.


Sperm improvement after varicocele surgery Varicocele is one of the most common causes of reversible male infertility, and 15% of the varicocele patients with normal semen analysis are diagnosed as infertile. There was also significant improvement in several other problems of the heads or tails of the sperm. However, the authors did not detect a significant improvement in terms of semen volume, motile sperm count, sperm count, and total sperm motility after surgery. For example, a study published in the journal Urology found that varicocele repair increased the chances of natural pregnancy in infertile couples with a Oct 7, 2024 · Statistical analysis revealed that after varicocelectomy, follow-up results within 3 months showed a significant improvement in sperm DFI compared with the preoperative period (MD: –3. Pain related to a varicocele may be improved. Improvement of sperm density and/ or progressive motility was noted in 87 patients Men with oligospermia showed maximal improvement at three months after varicocele repair. 7% of patients had improved sperm concentration after surgery. There are two main types of varicocele surgery: embolization and microsurgical subinguinal varicocele ligation. 7 No studies have specifically evaluated time to improvement in semen parameters after varicocele repair in men with severe oligospermia. The surgery may also be done to reduce pain in the scrotum. Different procedures have been developed for varicocele treatment. 9 In 1978, Johnsen compared testicular biopsies before and after 1 year of varicocele repair and reported significant improvement in seminiferous tubule appearance and germ cell content after Dr. Varicocele Surgery. Pregnancy after varicocele surgery – It is possible to become pregnant following varicocele surgery. Total Motile Sperm Count improves for approximately 50% of men with varicocele after surgery. 20 Conversely, several other studies have found that testosterone is not a predictive factor for improvements in semen parameters after varicocele repair. 5 As it is mostly asymptomatic, men with varicocele usually seek medical help due to abnormal semen parameters. The doctor may look through a microscope to see better during the Accumulating evidence indicates that varicocele repair improves sperm quality. [iv] 7. 6. Jan 24, 2024 · In addition, Wang et al. We haven't gotten pregnant yet (it has only been 5 months of trying since) but I also have issues. Surgery is the first-line treatment option to increase sperm count for men with varicocele. Sep 29, 2022 · A varicocelectomy treats a varicocele. We constructed a predictive nomogram model for assessing the improvement of semen parameters in varicocele patients after surgery. 0 to 14. Both treatments, surgery and varicocele embolization, can improve sperm count and quality. Recovery after open varicocele surgery takes 4 to 6 weeks, while it takes nearly 2 to 4 weeks to recover from laparoscopic varicocelectomy. 2 to 28. 3 Jan 13, 2016 · To Request an Appointment Call 866-996-9729 Azura Vascular Care Corporate Office 40 Valley Stream Parkway Malvern, PA 19355 TEL: 610-644-8900 FAX: 610-644-8909 My worst nightmare became a reality. Oct 11, 2021 · Most studies have reported that semen quality does improve in a majority of patients after varicocele surgery, as defined by a comparison of pretreatment and posttreatment semen parameters. reported the result after using a modified microsurgical method, specifically a loup-assisted high inguinal varicocelectomy, rather On the other hand, the speculation that varicocele is a cause of male infertility is based mainly on the increased incidence of this condition among infertile men, on the correlation of varicocele with reduced semen parameters and reduced testicular size and finally on the improvement of semen parameters and pregnancy rates after surgical The doctor said it can take up to a year for the full results of surgery to show. I am an athlete and i was watching my whole life my body and diet. † One or two incisions to the groin and the use of mag-nification glasses. 3% Following these guidelines will result in some men having unnecessary treatment, as many men fail to improve following surgery , a phenomenon seen in this series as well. 016), with the highest improvement for varicocele of I and II degree. Chandrakant CT and Rajiv NS* Sep 9, 2015 · Varicocele grade I was diagnosed in 42 (34. Nov 19, 2023 · Varicocele surgery can improve fertility in some cases. Total normal sperm forms improved by 6. I was adviced that it was mostly harmless and surgery didn't improve sperm noticeably - both when I was a kid and had it diagnosed and when I talked with my IVF doc. Mar 26, 2024 · After varicocele surgery, it takes time for the reproductive system to adjust and for sperm production to improve. 9 million at baseline to 128. 19, P <0. It shows that varicocelectomy by itself can increase the sperm count from 10 to 36. Varicocele is one of the most common causes of male infertility and spontaneous pregnancy rate after varicocelectomy is only about 30%. 7M only . The sperm count has been shown to increase by a mean of 12 million sperm/mL with a mean 11% increase in motility and variable effects on sperm morphology. We wasted so much money. Improvement in sperm – The number and health of the sperm can improve after varicocele surgery. According to the current guidelines, varicocelectomy is indicated based on abnormal Testicular biopsies before and 1 year after the varicocele repair showed significant improvements in the appearance of seminiferous tubules after surgery. I've always been vary about having surgery that close to my nuts. While you can return to normal sexual activity within 1-2 weeks after varicocele embolization and 4 weeks after surgery, it will take time, typically around 3 months for there to be any noticeable improvement in sperm count and quality. Kavoussi states, “Although these are complex scenarios, it is always recommended that a man with a sperm count of zero without a blockage as the cause, who has a varicocele has that varicocele repaired as 20-40% of these men will have return of sperm to the semen several months after repair of the varicocele. The multivariate logistic analysis identified the ultrasonography varicocele degree before surgery as a main predictor of the sperm concentration improvement (p = 0. 14], p < . 1 million after varicocele repair (p=. This can lead to natural conception or reduce the need for assisted reproductive technologies. Never lose hope my brother. This finding should allow physicians to Total sperm motility improved by 6. It is Mar 1, 2015 · Vitamin C was also an independent factor in predicting motility and normal morphology after surgery and ascorbic acid can play a role as adjuvant treatment after varicocelectomy in infertile men. Jul 14, 2016 · Sperm After Treatment. May god bless you keep you and guide you on your journey When this happens, another surgery may be needed. A chart review was undertaken to identify men who had undergone a microscop … Nov 16, 2011 · Time scale for semen parameter improvement following treatment of a varicocele A retrospective study on 100 men, who underwent varicocele treatment, showed that sperm parameters improve after 3 This improvement in semen quality will typically become noticeable at approximately 3 to 4 months after surgery and becomes final at 6 months. I also have varicocele, which I'm wondering may have caused my lower sperm count. Varicocele Embolization Dec 7, 2016 · The Benefits of Varicocele Surgery. Jul 15, 2023 · After 3 months, mean sperm count, sperm concentration, sperm motility, and sperm DFI all improved significantly in all groups. There was significantly less microcephaly, or abnormally small heads of the sperm (3. After the surgery, sperm quality may improve. Also, the sperm DFI in patients with grade III varicocele compared with grade II in all groups showed a significantly higher improvement. Feb 7, 2015 · Sperm count after surgery = (0. 00001), and follow-up results with 6 months showed a significant improvement in sperm DFI compared with the postoperative Feb 4, 2021 · A clear improvement of a male's fertility can be observed after undergoing a varicocele surgery. 7%). 7% did so by 6 months after surgery. 0001 May 9, 2021 · After surgery, there was an improvement in sperm shape. 00001), and follow-up results with 6 months showed a significant improvement in sperm DFI compared with the postoperative Recent findings: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective studies evaluating semen parameters before and after varicocelectomy clearly demonstrate that varicocele repair is associated with a significant improvement of sperm concentration, motility and normal morphology. Varicocele surgery can lead to improved fertility in that it may achieve the following: Sperm count and sperm quality may improve. We were able to conceive after that and now have a 2 month old daughter! Sep 13, 2024 · A 2024 study published in Fertility and Sterility found that 70% of men who underwent varicocele surgery saw an improvement in sperm and semen quality, within six months. You may shower 48 hours after surgery and let warm, soapy water run over the area. 1%) patients, while the other 81 (65. A varicocele may be related to poor sperm quality. The most important seminal antioxidant is vitamin C but recent . In the remaining 70% of men who have the surgery, there is no improvement. However, it takes at least 1-2 hours to get you ready for the surgery, and you will spend anywhere from 1-2 hours after surgery in the recovery room. [v] 6. However, it is important to note that individual results may vary depending on factors such as the severity of the condition and overall health of the patient. Talk to your healthcare provider about your questions and concerns. My surgeon wanted me to take a spermiogram before the surgery and I had an extremely high sperm count but a very high number, (97%) had alterated morphology. 66, 95% CI = [–5. Don't know for how long I had my varicocele, but I did my surgery about 6 months ago, my fiance is 2 months pregnant tomorrow so it was 4 months after surgery. The first-time pregnancy rate is 26-43% following varicocele surgery. We also evaluated the Comparison of semen parameters before and after surgery revealed a significant improvement. 8%), and hydrocele in 2 (1. Sperm count increases seen. The results are usually permanent. 1. There are two common ways that your surgeon may perform this surgery: What to Expect After Surgery † One or two incisions to the groin, and the use of an operating microscope. The level of swelling and bruising in the scrotal area is reduced as compared to before and after varicocele surgery, and it gets better as the recovery instructions Jul 4, 2017 · In 2011, a meta-analysis showed significant increases in sperm concentration after varicocelectomy (random effect model combined improvement 12. After I made this wrong choice and doctor choice I am living a nightmare that I hope I wake up from. Jun 27, 2024 · The detrimental effect of varicocele on semen parameters has been known since 1965, when MacLeod reported a decrease in sperm concentration and motility. 45 In patients with varicocele, there is an increase in the resistance index and pulsatility index of the capsular branches of the testicular artery compared with controls without varicocele,46 and an increase in the resistance index is correlated Oct 7, 2024 · Statistical analysis revealed that after varicocelectomy, follow-up results within 3 months showed a significant improvement in sperm DFI compared with the preoperative period (MD: –3. Surgery; Reproductive system; Reproductive medicine; Urology; Evidence-based medicine; Fertility program; Live birth rate; Pregnancy rate; Surgical sperm retrieval rate; Varicocele repair. While the exact duration may vary among individuals, it is generally recommended for couples to wait at least three to six months before attempting to conceive. • Do not take any baths or submerge your incision under water until the skin edges have completely healed(at least 1 week). His numbers were a huge improvement from before after only few months. 86% and morphology by 9. In the study, 69. 0074). Feb 2, 2017 · 5. A total of 175 patients over 18 years of age, who underwent microscopic inguinal varicocelectomy in a tertiary centre between 2005 and 2016 and had post-operative follow-up data of at leas … A varicocele may be related to poor sperm quality. What does varicocele surgery improve? Varicocele surgery helps improve semen parameters, such as sperm count, motility, and quality. His morphology, motility, volume were all low and his viscosity was high. After my failed cycle, I fell pregnant naturally, we sadly lost it last month but I'm hopeful we will get pregnant again. It is important for couples to understand that varicocele surgery may improve fertility but cannot completely reverse the effects of aging on sperm. Meta-analyses have indicated that the expected improvement in sperm count from a varicocele repair is 9. This retrospective study aimed to determine the time for improvement in semen parameters after varicocelectomy. Hsieh et al. After surgery at 6 month 60 million per mil. Minor complications were noted postoperatively; these included testicular pain in 4 (3. But my number before was 30 million, with testosterone at 192, 210. 44% after varicocele repair. May 18, 2024 · Background Varicocelectomy was considered to be beneficial to patients with varicocele-related infertility. The doc was awful. Conclusions: Sperm parameters improve by 3 months after varicocele repair and then do not improve further. 7, and from 18. The median sperm count increased from 10. 21,23 Dec 7, 2023 · In the case of no improvement in semen analysis parameters after varicocele repair, it is advised to do an ultrasonography assessment to assess varicocele recurrence or persistence [Citation 8]. Varicocele is currently the most common irregularity identified in males that is associated with impaired spermatogenesis. They recommended we wait at least 9 months after surgery before proceeding with IVF. 2. In another study conducted by Perimenis et al, [28] patients with grade 1 and 2 varicoceles were shown to have improved motility, morphology, and sperm concentration at 6 months after Apr 18, 2024 · This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Valiasr Hospital’s urology clinic in Qaemshahr, Iran from August 2018 to August 2019 and involved 27 men with unilateral left varicocele who met the inclusion criteria for surgical repair. 6 While several studies have demonstrated improvement of sperm parameters in ejaculated semen samples after varicocele repair,7,8 Apr 4, 2022 · However, the authors did not detect a significant improvement in terms of semen volume, motile sperm count, sperm count, and total sperm motility after surgery. Total sperm motility improved by 6. 3 mil before surgery, poor motility and abnormal forms. 53 × sperm count before intervention) + 31. Research has shown that varicocele surgery can be an effective treatment option for men with varicocele. This result also suggests that the total sperm count reflects the discomfort different from shortly after surgery, call the office to discuss with our staff. 71 to 12. Postoperative FSH and LH levels did not significantly differ from preoperative ones (Table 1 This happened for us!!! My husband had low sperm count due to varicocele and he had the surgery his sperm count went up from 5-6 mil to 90 mil. 71. Introduction. 016), with the highest Jan 1, 2024 · In addition, Wang et al. 32 million/mL, while motility improves by 10. showed that patients with a higher baseline sperm count after varicocele surgery had a more significant improvement in sperm parameters, and the improvement gap was positively correlated with the improvement in total sperm count after varicocele surgery. There were no statistically significant differences in the improvement in semen volume, motility, count or total motile count comparing the results at 3, 6 and more than 9 months postoperatively. This may cause problems with fertility. There were also fewer Mar 1, 2015 · Varicocele is one of the most common causes of male infertility and spontaneous pregnancy rate after varicocelectomy is only about 30%. 9%) patients had grade II or III. At this time, you need to maintain good hygiene and take antibiotics to prevent infection, use ice compress to eliminate bruising and swelling, avoid heavy activities, etc. Second, varicocelectomy results in only minor improvement in DFI, in contrast to the significant improvement in DFI that occurs with the use of testicular sperm rather than ejaculated sperm in men with elevated DFI – Esteves et al demonstrated that in men with elevated DFI, sperm retrieved from the testicle had significantly lower DFI (8. 2%), edema in 6 (4. 6%) patients. Also, your doctor cannot predict whether your sperm count will Jun 17, 2020 · My hubby also had a successful varicocele surgery. Surgery can be scary, but a varicocelectomy is a relatively safe procedure. It primarily presents in the form of decreased sperm count and motility, abnormal morphology, and significantly increased sperm DNA fragmentation. Lifestyle factors can also have a significant impact on fertility after varicocele surgery. Consequently, physicians should decide quickly after 3-month of varicocelectomy if surgery has been not helpful and then plan other therapies, like assisted reproductive technology ( … Mar 28, 2024 · Even after varicocele surgery, the natural decline in fertility associated with aging can still occur. 21 Some evidence suggests that the younger the patient is at the time of varicocele repair, the greater the improvement after repair and the more likely the testis is to recover from varicocele induced injury. 17, –2. 1,2 Although the mechanisms of the influence of varicocele on male fertility are still being discussed, in general, the results of studies demonstrate that varicocele has a negative impact on spermatogenesis3,4 and that varicocele correction improves sperm quality and increases real Sep 26, 2024 · The surgery for varicocele aims to improve symptoms, such as testicular pain, and to enhance fertility in cases where the varicocele is negatively impacting sperm quality or count. Moreover, some recent studies highlighted the potential role of Mar 23, 2024 · Varicoceles of any grade can decrease sperm count and quality. The most important seminal antioxidant is vitamin C but Conclusion: The effect of age on improvement in sperm parameters after varicocelectomy is inconsistent with some reports in the literature, and could be attributable to the duration of infertility prior to surgery; in the long term, varicoceles are known to have deleterious effects Feb 7, 2015 · Sperm count after surgery = (0. Six months after varicocelectomy, there were statistically significant increases in the mean total testosterone level, sperm density, and progressive motility. A couple may become pregnant. Conclusion: Based on above findings it was conclude that Varicocelectomy results in significant improvement in total sperm count, total sperm motility and total normal sperm morphology. The pregnancy success rates after surgery range between 30 My surgeon wanted me to take a spermiogram before the surgery and I had an extremely high sperm count but a very high number, (97%) had alterated morphology. However, longitudinal changes in sperm parameters and predictors of improved semen characteristics after surgery have not been fully investigated. Can You Live a Normal Life After Varicocele Surgery? Yes, most men can return to their normal activities and lead a healthy life after surgery. The percentage improvement in median sperm count in subclinical varicoceles was Jul 1, 2024 · In a study of 60 men, the group investigated miR-192a levels before and after varicocelectomy and saw a twofold higher concentration in patients with unsuccessful varicocelectomy (group B: 33 men without sperm found in the ejaculate after surgery) than in those who had a successful repair (group A: 27 men with sperm found in the ejaculate after Oct 2, 2020 · Sperm parameters (concentration and motility) improve by 3 months after varicocelectomy without further improvements. Chandrakant CT and Rajiv NS* Apr 7, 2021 · The multivariate logistic analysis identified the ultrasonography varicocele degree before surgery as a main predictor of the sperm concentration improvement (p = 0. The multivariate logistic analysis identified the ultrasonography varicocele degree before surgery as a main predictor of the sperm concentration improvement (p = 0. These include testicular circulation, which seems to correlate with sperm parameters values. 9 These testicular milieu and ultrastructure alterations are implicated by the varicocele as a causal factor to these changes, and the improvement of ultrastructural of the testicle following Even after improvement of spermatogenesis in a subset of NOA men following varicocele repair, most individuals will remain azoospermic after varicocelectomy. (Continued with exercise, healthy habits) 3 months after surgery May 24 Sperm conc: 42 mil Total: 130mil Motility: 54% (finally above!) This is just 3 months after so hopefully these numbers will continue to improve. He had the surgery in May 2020, and we proceeded with IVF in April of 2021. 66 Varicocele recurrence, testicular artery ligation or post-varicocelectomy hydrocele formation are often associated with poor post A varicocele may be related to poor sperm quality. 4% of the patients who underwent surgery for varicoceles had at least a 50% improvement in the number of total progressive motile sperm, which is a measure of high quality, swimming sperm. Nov 13, 2023 · This improvement in semen quality will typically become noticeable at approximately 3 to 4 months after surgery and becomes final at 6 months. 45–15. 3% vs. Of the patients who improved, 95. It can reduce pain, improve your quality of life and improve fertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of varicocele treatment on conventional sperm parameters. Despite the high sperm count my doctor believes the poor quality of my sperm is caused by the varicocele. Correcting the dilated veins that increase scrotal temperature creates a better environment for sperm production. Results: After varicocele correction, we found a significant improvement in sperm concentration, total count and total motility. Now, his SA is normal. Discussion Dec 5, 2018 · Introduction Varicocele is often associated with impaired sperm parameters. The doctor can do one of several types of surgery. My husband and I went through 3 failed IVF. This may help with fertility. Mar 29, 2024 · In addition, varicocele surgery can improve sperm quality and fertility in some cases. [41] showed that patients with a higher baseline sperm count after varicocele surgery had a more significant improvement in sperm parameters, and the improvement gap was positively correlated with the improvement in total sperm count after varicocele surgery. Testosterone levels may return to normal. 80 percent motility and 60 % normal forms and a pregnant wife. In the subset of 47 men who underwent semen analysis, the number of motile sperm significantly increased from 76. I didn't do any exam since my surgery cause my doctor said 6-12 months to get any improvement on sperms. Semen analysis results, for example, increase; there is a higher sperm production; testicular hypertrophy is reversed, etc. Varicocele is a common correctable cause of male subfertility. The doctor may look through a microscope to see better during the Jan 1, 2015 · The results of our present study demonstrate that the repair of varicocele by surgery caused high significant improvement in progressive sperm motility, sperm concentration, and morphology and pregnancy rates (Figure 2). In another study conducted by Perimenis et al, [ 28 ] patients with grade 1 and 2 varicoceles were shown to have improved motility, morphology, and sperm concentration at 6 months after While ligation of clinical varicoceles has been clearly shown to improve semen parameters in subfertile men, evidence describing when to expect improvement and the potential effects on fertility following surgery are sparse. Testicular volume on scrotal ultrasound correlates well with severity of oligospermia in men with subfertility, while the related to a varicocele, or who have changes to their sperm count or the shape of their sperm. 9 million/mL irrespective of administration of vitamin C supplementation. 001). 08% after the surgery. We hypothesized that men with severe oligospermia will take a longer time (>3 months) to recover spermatogenesis than Based on relevant research reports and clinical experience, this study directly incorporated the relevant factors that may affect semen quality in varicocele patients. However, there are only a few researchers who have explored the relationship between better timing and postoperative semen improvement in patients. 32 × 10 6 sperm/ml; 95% CI 9. They can go into greater detail about the outcomes and Jan 11, 2021 · The multivariate logistic analysis identified the ultrasonography varicocele degree before surgery as a main predictor of the sperm concentration improvement (p=0. 6 million/ejaculate, in patients with subclinical and clinical varicoceles, respectively (p < 0. Varicocele Surgery Success Rate According to present statistics for varicocele surgery, only 30% of patients [5] experience improvement in sperm count. 016), with the highest May 6, 2021 · The multivariate logistic analysis identified the ultrasonography varicocele degree before surgery as a main predictor of the sperm concentration improvement (p = 0. Sep 9, 2015 · Improvement of sperm density and/ or progressive motility was noted in 87 patients (70. I booked in surgery at the start of Feb. We retrospectively reviewed data from 100 men who underwent microsurgical … Jan 5, 2016 · The Kondo study is the first to identify a high baseline testosterone concentration as being predictive of sperm concentration improvement after varicocele repair. I an around 30 years old went for a vericocele surgery to improve the fertility cause I was having 2. The doctor may look through a microscope to see better during the For each patient, we compared conventional sperm parameters before and after varicocele correction. Several studies have shown tha … A varicocele may be related to poor sperm quality. Additionally, we conducted predictive performance assessments of the model in both the The multivariate logistic analysis identified the ultrasonography varicocele degree before surgery as a main predictor of the sperm concentration improvement (p = 0. It typically takes about 3 months for this to happen. The doctor may look through a microscope to see better during the Feb 1, 2012 · A similar finding has been previously observed for improvements in semen quality after bilateral or unilateral varicocelectomy. Published data report 60% of success in sperm retrieval using testicular microdissection (micro-TESE) sperm extraction in NOA men who remain azoospermic after varicocele repair . Among all the types of varicocele repair procedures, microsurgical varicocele repair had the lowest rate of recurrence and complications [ Citation 8 ]. Methods We conducted this meta-analysis by enrolling published prospective studies to find out the best waiting time after varicocelectomy Jul 21, 2023 · Short answer: How long after varicocele surgery does sperm improve: Varicocele surgery has been found to significantly improve sperm parameters within a period of 3-6 months post-surgery. Varicocele surgery is a treatment option for those with more advanced cases of varicocele, especially those men who wish to conceive a child. Materials and Methods We compared two different techniques of intervention: surgical varicocelectomy and sclerotherapy. If the varicocele is causing infertility or affecting sperm quality, the surgery may help improve sperm count and motility. So we gave it about 11 months. The doctor may look through a microscope to see better during the I also had fairly regular pain in area of varicocele. However, there was no improvement in sperm quality after left spermatic vein ligation for low-grade varicocele in both groups one year after surgery, and no significant difference in paternity [12]. After surgery, the doctor or a member of the surgery team will talk to your family either in person or by phone. Between IVF my husband went through his varicocele surgery no one gave us much hope. But FYI, I guess some people don't see thr full effect until up yo a year after the surgery. This result also suggests that the total sperm count reflects The multivariate logistic analysis identified the ultrasonography varicocele degree before surgery as a main predictor of the sperm concentration improvement (p = 0. May 18, 2021 · Varicocele results in decreased testosterone secretion, impaired spermatogenesis, and testicular atrophy. In this study, we developed an AI-based machine learning model to help predict which men would experience clinically meaningful improvement in sperm concentration. 69%. Infertility is defined as a condition in which a couple is unable to conceive after one year of regular sexual intercourse without Sep 17, 2024 · 2. Yea brother after varicocele surgery. Considering the two subgroups, baseline sperm parameters did not differ significantly. 2%). However, it is important to note that not all cases of infertility are caused by varicoceles, and the success of the surgery in improving fertility may vary from May 4, 2020 · In contrast, baseline 17‐OHP could not predict semen analysis improvement after varicocele repair, and its use for this purpose should be investigated in a larger scale for selected patients, such as those with clinical varicocele and baseline low T levels but cannot be used at this time as a biomarker to predict sperm parameter improvement Sep 29, 2023 · The surgery itself takes about 1-2 hours. May 1, 2024 · The multivariate logistic analysis identified the ultrasonography varicocele degree before surgery as a main predictor of the sperm concentration improvement (p=0. weku grvi hpvefjgg mtiqpz pnqf hdv sgpyn mpr extvm agqaf