Testicular atrophy in men - what causes it and how to treat this condition

Testicles are male sex glands responsible for the synthesis of hormones (in particular, testosterone) and sperm. Testicular atrophy is a serious disease in which the testes are no longer functional. It happens congenital and acquired. This leads to hormonal imbalance, decreased potency, inability to conceive a child.

Description

Testicular atrophy in men is a disorder consisting in a decrease in the size and inhibition of the functions of the gonads, which is accompanied by the cessation of their secretion of hormones and germ cells. In severe cases, the volume of the testicles is reduced to a third of the original. ICD 10 code - N50.0.

One should distinguish between atrophy and hypotrophy or subatrophy - the first is irreversible, while the second and third are treatable. In addition, similar symptoms are caused by hypoplasia - congenital underdevelopment of the testicles. Pathology can affect one testicle or both, due to congenital or acquired disorders.

Root reasons

In most cases, the development of testicular atrophy is associated with diseases that affect the genitourinary system or are of a systemic nature.

Common reasons include:

• varicocele;
• hydrocele;
• groin injuries, at risk and men after pelvic surgery;
• hormonal imbalance, especially long-term;
• vascular pathologies leading to poor nutrition and tissue oxygen supply;
• torsion of the testicular cord;
• infectious diseases of the reproductive system;
• inguinal hernia;
• regular perineal overheating;
• lesions of the nervous system.

The onset of testicular atrophy in a child is most often associated with congenital cryptorchidism - a condition in which one or both testicles do not descend into the scrotum, but remain in the abdominal cavity, which leads to overheating, impaired blood supply.

In addition, suppression of testicular function is common among athletes, namely after a course of AC (anabolic steroids). This is due to the fact that when you take steroid hormones, the production of your own testosterone is suspended and with prolonged inactivity, the testes atrophy.

Symptoms and signs

For atrophic lesions of the testicles, slow development is characteristic, so the pathology is difficult to identify in the early stages.

Main symptoms:

If the pathology developed in childhood, adolescents experience late or delayed maturation, hair growth and female development (underdevelopment of the genitals, enlargement of the mammary glands).

In case of damage to one testicle, the symptoms are less pronounced.

An accurate diagnosis can be made only after a full-time medical examination, palpation and ultrasound of the scrotum, carrying out the necessary studies (spermogram, analysis of testosterone and other hormones).

Possible complications and consequences of testicular atrophy - what are they?

Dysfunction of the male gonads leads to two main problems: a decrease in testosterone secretion and a decrease in sperm production. And already these pathologies cause a number of unpleasant consequences, including:

• erectile dysfunction;
• infertility;
• female body fat gain;
• pain in the scrotum;
• heart disease;
• hypertension;
• osteoporosis;
• diabetes mellitus;
• mental disorders, depression;
• neoplasms in the scrotum.

For teens: additional delay or disruption of puberty.

In addition, with an infectious lesion and subsequent atrophy of one testicle, if the diseased organ has not been removed, there is a high probability of the spread of atrophic changes to the healthy testicle.

Treatment

Therapeutic actions depend on the cause of the pathology and its stage. It should be borne in mind that already developed testicular atrophy is not treated, and the doctor's actions are directed towards symptomatic therapy and slowing down the progression of the disease.

The following measures can be taken by the specialist:

In the case of cryptorchidism in a child, it is very important to take timely measures (if necessary, perform an operation) to lower the testicle into the scrotum.

If atrophy affects only one testicle and progresses slowly, while not responding to hCG intake, while the second testicle retains normal functionality, the doctor may decide to monitor the man's condition for some time, without additional measures.

It should be borne in mind that it is possible to slow down the development of the disease as much as possible only by observing all the prescriptions of the attending specialist and adhering to a healthy lifestyle. It is recommended to completely give up alcohol and smoking, regularly engage in physical activity in order to improve metabolic processes.

What's the forecast?

In atrophic pathology of the testicles, the main task of the patient and the doctor is to slow down the suppression of the function of the gonads. It is impossible to cure the disease and completely restore the performance of the testicles, with the exception of two cases:

In other situations, the prognosis is not very favorable - competent therapeutic measures can only delay complete atrophy. Hormone replacement therapy will help maintain potency and normal well-being, but testicular function cannot be restored.

A complete list of testicular diseases can be found here.

With the development of the disease in children, normal maturation and development are possible only with the appointment of a course of hormonal drugs and constant supervision by a doctor.

Will you be able to conceive a child?

The disease is not always accompanied by a deterioration in libido and erection. Often, especially if the pathology affects only one testicle or testosterone is taken, sexual function is preserved. However, a decrease in sperm production is observed in all patients, so problems with conception may arise.

Men who have been diagnosed with atrophy of the gonads are advised to store their sperm in a special storage (bank) as soon as possible. Feedback from people with a similar problem confirms that this is the best way to protect yourself in case of potential infertility.

If a couple does not plan to have children right now and in the future, attempts at natural conception will be unsuccessful, the possibility of artificial insemination will remain. The IVF procedure leaves a chance to get pregnant, even if there is a minimum of active sperm in the man's semen.

Prevention

There are no specific measures to prevent the occurrence of testicular atrophy, but there are general recommendations that reduce the risk of developing pathology:

• being active;
• quitting smoking and alcohol, wearing tight underwear;
• avoiding injury and overheating of the perineum;
• timely treatment of infectious and other diseases, especially those affecting the genitourinary system;
• maintaining a healthy weight.

It is advisable to stop taking anabolic steroids, and if the course is nevertheless necessary, to be constantly monitored by a doctor (andrologist).

It is also very important to undergo a medical examination annually in order to timely identify the occurrence of a deviation.