What Causes Testicular Atrophy This is typically caused by orchitis or inflammation of the testicles. Other factors associated with testicular atrophy are: Age - With age, testosterone levels may reduce thereby leading to testicular atrophy.
Varicoceles - This condition refers to varicose veins that are located around the testicles. These inflamed veins can damage the sperm producing tubes and make the testicle smaller than normal. Testicular torsion - Sometimes a testicle can rotate or twist itself around the spermatic cord. The spermatic cord carries blood to and from the scrotum. If the cord is twisted, blood flow may be reduced causing swelling in the testicles. If not treated immediately, it may cause permanent damage.
In the absence of this hormone, the pituitary gland will not be able to produce enough LH Luteinizing Hormone. Deprived of LH, the testicles cannot produce enough testosterone and hence the testicles may become smaller. Use of Anabolic steroids or estrogen - These hormones and steroids affect hormone production is the same way as TRT.
Alcohol abuse - Excessive consumption of alcohol can reduce testosterone production and cause testicular tissue damage. This can some time cause testicular atrophy. Several conditions can cause testicular atrophy. One well-known cause of testicular atrophy is surgery to repair an inguinal hernia. This complication is rare, affecting only about 0. Little research has directly tested the link between testicle size and infertility.
A study noted that out of the 1, infertile men in the study, had normal sized testicles. The other men had differing degrees of reduction in the testicular volume of one or both testicles. The count and movement of sperm reduced with testicle size. Men with lower testicular volume often had lower sperm production. As most infertile men in this research study had normal sized testicles, the study did not establish a clear correlation between testicle size and fertility in those with normal sized testicles.
Men with fertility concerns should ask a doctor about testing to assess sperm quality. A doctor may also recommend blood tests to measure hormone levels. A reduction in testicle size after testicular torsion may be a risk factor for testicular cancer.
Anyone who notices that their testicles are suddenly smaller should see a doctor. It can be difficult to distinguish the symptoms of testicular cancer from those of other types of cancer.
When the testicles are smaller than average, but there is no underlying medical condition, there are typically no side effects. Medical conditions that cause small testicles can also produce other signs and symptoms. For example, a varicocele can cause pain and swelling in the scrotum. Testicular atrophy can affect sexual and reproductive health in several ways. People may experience:.
If a person is concerned about the size of their testicles and the accompanying symptoms, they should see a doctor.
The researchers also cited previous studies that found that fathers who are much more involved with the day-to-day care of their children tend to have lower testosterone levels. The idea is that being a nurturing father may actually lower your testosterone levels.
When it comes to the health and function of your genitals, size differences may be meaningless. One in particular is called male hypogonadism.
Hypogonadism may be caused by a testicular disorder, such as the testicles not responding to signals from the brain to make enough testosterone and sperm.
This is called primary hypogonadism. Luteinizing hormone signals the testicles to make testosterone. Another cause of small testicles is varicocele. Varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, typically due to problems with the valves that control blood flow in the veins. The bulging veins within the scrotum can cause the testicles to shrink and soften. Undescended testes can also cause small testicles. Undescended testes can usually be treated surgically during infancy.
Your doctor can determine if your testicle size is a sign of an underlying health condition. It may be that your testicle size has nothing to do with erectile function or affects your sexual health in any way.
Talking with your doctor may give you some peace of mind and reassurance. It could also lead to treatment options if any are appropriate. If hypogonadism is affecting fertility, there are some medications that may help. Clomiphene Clomid is an oral medication that boosts hormones necessary for fertility. Injections of gonadotropins may also be effective if small testicles have reduced your sperm density.
Gonadotropins are hormones that stimulate activity in the testicles. Testosterone replacement therapy TRT may provide benefits such as increased:. However, TRT should be supervised carefully by your doctor. There are some potentially serious side effects, such as prostate problems, abnormal aggressiveness, and circulation disorders.
Okay so, most of us love to eat. But aluminum is found in other things too, such as tobacco, alcohol here we go again , and even in the air. Exposure to too much aluminum may cause a low sperm count and infertility, and a side effect of smaller testicles.
In a study from last month, researchers examined 62 sperm samples and measured aluminum content, finding average of parts per billion high , with some men even having aluminum has high as parts per billion. Those with the higher levels of aluminum were more likely to have low sperm counts and were therefore less fertile. Such exposure may lead to oxidative stress in the testicles, causing cells to die, and the testicles to shrink. Limiting aluminum exposure by choosing chemical-free cleaning and personal care products may help, as well as using BPA-free plastic or glass bottles for drinking, rather than plain plastic.
Our testicles have perhaps the most pain receptors concentrated in any one area of our bodies. We need them because they are the key to our reproductive success, even as they hang outside our bodies, vulnerable to attack. Getting kicked in the balls is enough to knock even the strongest man to his knees, as the pain receptors send signals through nerves that extend to the ears, stomach, and groin. For these certain groups, or those who experience one serious hit, the balls may indeed shrink.
Thankfully, getting hit in this area is relatively rare. But if you want to be extra safe, you can get yourself a cup.
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