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| Key details about testicular atrophy |
Some men might feel anxiety upon noticing a reduction in testicular size, questioning the causing factors, how to treat it, and if the testicle can revert to its normal dimensions.
We will discuss everything related to testicular atrophy and the role of varicoceles in its occurrence, so keep reading...
What is Testicular Atrophy?
Some men may find their testicles occasionally seem larger or smaller than usual, but this is due to the scrotum contracting and relaxing in response to ambient temperature, aiming to regulate the testicle's temperature; it tightens in cold conditions and relaxes in warm ones.
The term "testicular atrophy," however, refers to a reduction in their dimension due to several potential medical reasons, negatively affecting their capacity to generate sperm and secrete the hormone testosterone into the blood.
Are There Other Symptoms Accompanying Testicular Atrophy?
Reduced testicle size is the principal sign of testicular atrophy, and it may be accompanied by further symptoms depending on the patient's age, including:
Symptoms of Testicular Atrophy Before Puberty
For individuals who have not reached puberty, symptoms involve the disappearance of secondary sexual characteristics, such as less facial and pubic hair, and smaller penis size.
Symptoms of Testicular Atrophy After Puberty
While symptoms of testicular atrophy for those past puberty include the following:
Lowered sexual desire due to reduced male hormones.
Diminished muscle mass.
Scant or absent facial and pubic hair.
Softness of the testicles.
Inability to procreate.
Read also: Absence of Sperm
What Are the Factors Leading to Testicular Shrinkage?
The reasons for testicular shrinkage are numerous, including:
Orchitis (Testicle Inflammation)
Testicle inflammation can lead to atrophy, although the initial signs of orchitis include swelling that slightly increases its size, eventually the dimension shrinks.
Orchitis might also cause nausea, fever, and pain. There are two main types of orchitis:
Viral Orchitis: Results from a viral infection causing mumps; the testicle becomes inflamed in about one-third of infected men over four to seven days.
Bacterial Orchitis: This type stems from sexually transmitted infections, like gonorrhea or chlamydia. Some cases may develop bacterial inflammation due to a urinary tract infection or during the placement of a catheter in the penis as well.
Age
Men go through a period similar to menopause in women due to declining testosterone levels, so testicular atrophy in older men is considered normal.
Varicocele
Men with varicocele typically do not experience distinct symptoms, but they might notice the left testicle contracting; because varicocele involvement might damage sperm-producing cells, leading to size reduction.
Testicular Torsion
Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord twists around the testicle (for an unknown reason), preventing blood flow and causing pain and swelling. If the torsion is not resolved within a few hours, the testicle may suffer permanent atrophy.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal fluctuations can cause testicular atrophy, as the body begins producing lower amounts of testosterone, such as with Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), estrogen intake, or anabolic steroid use.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Heavy drinking leads to lower blood testosterone levels and damage to testicular tissue.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer tends to affect younger men, causing the testicle size to decrease in rare instances.
Learn about: Five Essential Tips to Boost Male Sexual Health
How Does a Doctor Diagnose Testicular Atrophy?
The initial step toward a remedy is identifying the cause, so the physician starts diagnosing testicular atrophy by gathering the patient's medical background, lifestyle, medications used, and experienced symptoms. Then, they proceed to a physical examination of the testicle to check its size, texture, and form.
The doctor might request other tests to confirm the reason for the testicle shrinkage, such as:
Testicular Ultrasound.
Complete Blood Count (CBC).
Testosterone level measurement in the blood.
Urine test to check for sexually transmitted diseases.
Read also: Discover the Causes of Erectile Dysfunction and Treatment Methods
Can a Shrunken Testicle Be Returned to Its Normal Size?
Usually, it is not possible to restore a shrunken testicle to its natural size. Treatment relies on understanding the underlying cause of the atrophy and eliminating it to maintain the current size and prevent further shrinkage. Treatments include:
Antibiotics in case of infection.
Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcoholic beverages.
Hormone therapy.
Surgery, as in cases of varicocele and testicular torsion.
Prompt treatment for testicular atrophy increases the chance of preserving its normal dimension in torsion cases and prevents permanent damage.
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