One testicle in a man: monorchism as a pathology

Monorchism is an anatomical feature in which a man does not have one testicle. The condition is fraught with impairment or complete absence of fertility, since conditions for sperm production may be unfavorable.

Why does a man lack one testicle

Monorkhism is not uncommon along with the absence of a kidney. The reason is that the testicle and kidneys develop from the same tissue. Therefore, a child can develop both at the same time. Also, the condition is characterized by the absence of the epididymis. Sometimes there is an underdeveloped appendage in the scrotum. In many cases, the part of the scrotum where the testicle should be is also underdeveloped.

The testicle present after puberty is larger than normal. This is because it compensates for the anomaly. The condition is often observed in conjunction with hypogonadism. In this case, the boy has an underdevelopment of secondary sexual characteristics. Prevention of anomaly consists in:

• Mother cessation of alcohol and tobacco before and during pregnancy
• Treating infections and STDs before pregnancy

How pathology develops

A boy goes through several stages in his sexual development:

• Fetal
• Pre-pubertal
• Puberty

All stages of testicular formation depend on testosterone levels. Disruptions of physiological processes lead to monorchism when the reproductive system is formed. Pathology occurs when there is a violation of the formation of the sex gland during intrauterine development. The process takes place in the second month of the mother's pregnancy. The fertilization function is preserved in monorchism. When the second testicle atrophies in a man, there is a violation of the development of secondary sexual characteristics, this leads to a decrease in libido, infertility and the appearance of impotence. The boy has such manifestations of pathology:

• Slower penis growth at the age of 14
• Late hair growth
• Delayed emission
• Prone to being overweight

Diagnostic features

Monorchism is easy to detect immediately after the birth of a child. Scrotal hyperplasia and the absence of a testicle are visually visible. The doctor should probe the inguinal canal and scrotum. To distinguish this anomaly from cryptorchidism, the following diagnostic methods are used:

• Angiography shows that the vas deferens and testicular vessels end blindly when the inguinal ring is closed
• Ultrasound of the peritoneum and scrotum shows that there is no testicle
• Diagnostic laparoscopy is used to examine abdomen to detect a non-descended testicle

During puberty, an endocrinological examination is necessary, in which the level of hormones is determined:

• luteotropic
• follicle stimulating
• testosterone

It is important to start the correct substitution therapy and prevent reproductive complications.

Treatment

The most successful treatment will be in early adolescence. Thus, it is possible to compensate for the lack of hormones, which will contribute to the normal puberty of the child. Full supervision and medication support is required. Correct therapy will enable the boy to become a full-fledged man with reproductive function. The presence of monarchism imposes certain restrictions. For example, you should play sports and perform other physical activities only after the permission of your doctor in order to prevent injury to the groin area. The treatment regimen for the anomaly depends on the degree of endocrine disorders. With a lack of testosterone and other hormones, replacement treatment is indicated. The basis of drug treatment is hormonal agents. They are prescribed in order for the hormonal and reproductive system to function normally. If hypogonadism is present, the doctor will prescribe medication with testosterone.

When surgery is needed

In order to achieve an aesthetic effect and eliminate psychological discomfort, it is possible to carry out an operation in adolescence. During the intervention, an artificial testicle is implanted. Such an operation, as a rule, is not difficult and is not included in the dangerous group. During the operation, the implant should be carefully selected, it should be similar to a healthy organ. In surgical treatment, first of all, it is important to match the healthy and artificial organ. The operation is also important if it is necessary to remove an underdeveloped hypoplastic organ. The intervention is carried out when the boy turns 14-15 years old. There are complications that are rare. These include swelling of the scrotum, bleeding and slow healing.