Testicular atrophy occurs when the testes shrink. Several potential causes include aging, underlying medical conditions, or infections.
The testes are two reproductive glands located in the scrotum just behind the penis. These glands are responsible for creating sperm.
Testicular atrophy is the testes shrinking. In the case of testicular atrophy, the testes get smaller due to a loss of some of the germ cells and Leydig cells.
Germ cells produce sperm while Leydig cells produce testosterone.
If the testes shrink, a person could have a lower sperm count, lower testosterone levels, or both, due to the loss of these cells.
Testicular atrophy differs from the shrinking that occurs due to cold temperatures. In cooler temperatures, the scrotum retracts or shrinks, pulling the testes closer to the body to maintain warmth. In warmer temperatures, it loosens, allowing the testes to cool.
Possible causes of testicular atrophy include:
- age
- testicular cancer
- orchitis
- diseases
- excessive alcohol usage
- hormone imbalance
- testicular torsion
- varicocele
Age
Over time, the testes will likely begin to shrink. This is a natural process, as the body produces less testosterone or sperm after the peak reproductive years.
Hormone imbalance
Hormonal imbalances can sometimes cause testicular atrophy. If the body produces less testosterone, the testicles may begin to shrink.
Some potential causes of a hormone imbalance that suppress testosterone production include:
- testosterone replacement therapy
- taking estrogen
- anabolic steroids
- certain medications
Orchitis
Orchitis is an infection that
Some of the common causes of orchitis include:
- chlamydia
- gonorrhea
- intestinal bacteria that travels up the reproductive tract following anal intercourse
- urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- surgery on the urinary tract
- use of a catheter
Diseases
Certain diseases or infections, including mumps and HIV, may increase the risk of testicular atrophy. Depending on the severity of the shrinkage, treatment may reverse the atrophy.
Excessive alcohol usage
Regularly consuming excessive amounts of alcohol may cause a decrease in testosterone levels. Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause testicular tissue damage, which may result in testicular atrophy.
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Testicular torsion
Testicular torsion
In addition to pain and swelling, the twisted cord causes blood loss to the testicles. If a person does not receive prompt treatment, the loss of oxygen and blood flow could lead to permanent testicular atrophy.
Varicocele
Varicocele
In many cases, a person may not realize they have a varicocele, as it may not cause any symptoms. However, they may notice that the left testicle appears smaller than usual.
Testicular cancer
In rare cases, testicular cancer can cause testicular atrophy. According to the
While testicular cancer tends to affect younger men, it is highly treatable.
Usually, the most obvious symptom of testicular atrophy is the noticeable shrinkage of one or both testicles.
However, depending on the person’s age and underlying conditions, a person may notice some additional symptoms.
Those who have not yet gone through puberty may notice a:
- larger penis size
- lack of facial or pubic hair
If testicular atrophy occurs after puberty, additional symptoms may include:
- soft testicles
- lower sex drive
- reduction in muscle mass
- infertility
- reduction in facial or pubic hair
If an underlying medical condition is causing testicular atrophy, a person may also experience:
- pain in the testicles
- inflammation
- fever
- nausea
A doctor will normally start to diagnose testicular atrophy by asking questions about the individual’s lifestyle and medical history. They will also ask about any medications a person is taking.
A doctor will also likely conduct a physical examination of the testicles, looking at the following qualities:
- size
- shape
- texture
- firmness
Finally, a doctor may order some additional tests to help determine what is causing the testicular atrophy. Possible tests include:
- an ultrasound of the testicles to look at abnormalities and blood flow
- blood work to look for signs of infection
- swabs or urine tests to test for sexually transmitted infections
- hormone level tests
How a doctor treats testicular atrophy depends on its underlying cause. Possible treatments may include:
- antibiotics for an infection
- lifestyle changes
- hormone therapy
- surgery, particularly in cases of testicular torsion
If a person discovers testicular atrophy early and receives treatment as soon as possible, it might be possible to reverse the shrinkage.
Some conditions, such as testicular torsion, require immediate treatment to avoid permanent damage to the testicle.
Some people claim there are natural treatments for testicular atrophy. There is no clinical evidence to suggest that any natural remedies can correct testicular atrophy or its underlying causes.
Common causes of testicular atrophy include age, which occurs as a natural process of the body producing less testosterone as a person ages.
Early treatment of testicular atrophy has a better outcome and a higher possibility of improving the issue.
Testicular atrophy can occur from various causes, including infections, diseases, or underlying conditions such as testicular cancer. It is important to contact a doctor promptly to examine the testicles and rule out possible causes.
People should be aware of the regular size and shape of their testicles. If one or both of the testicles become noticeably smaller, it is best to speak to a doctor as soon as possible.
There is a greater chance of reversing testicular atrophy with early intervention and treatment.