In this article, we will discuss the causes of testicular atrophy, which is one of the diseases that affect men and pose a challenge to them, as it affects their reproductive and sexual ability. In Dalili Medical, we will review together the causes of the infection and the symptoms that may indicate the presence of the problem, in addition to the available treatment methods. Continue reading until the end.

**What is testicular atrophy?**

 

Testicular atrophy is a medical condition that affects men, leading to shrinkage in the size of the testicles. This atrophy can occur as a result of several factors and causes. It is important for men to pay attention to the signs and symptoms of testicular atrophy and seek treatment seriously, as this condition can affect the number and quality of sperm produced, which may lead to infertility. Testicular shrinkage can also cause other physical changes, such as a decrease in testosterone levels, which leads to loss of muscle mass and decreased sexual desire. Testicular atrophy should be treated based on the underlying cause before complications worsen.

** Until what age do the testicles continue to grow?**

 

The testicles usually continue to grow gradually until puberty. When a child is born, the size of the testicle is about 1 cubic centimeter, and it remains at this size until he reaches 8 years of age. After that, the testicles begin to grow again, and with the onset of puberty, hair begins to appear around the penis and in the scrotum area. It is important to note that although the growth of the testicles is usually equal, it may sometimes happen that one testicle grows larger than the other.

** What does testicular prolapse mean?**

 

High temperature is one of the main factors that lead to scrotal prolapse, as it facilitates the detection of any tumors or abnormalities in the testicular area. In general, testicular prolapse is not considered an indicator of danger, but if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as prostate pain or pain on one side of the testicle, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

**What is the relationship between testicular atrophy and fertility?**

 

When the size of the testicles shrinks, the number and movement of sperm decreases, and the secretion of testosterone decreases, which may lead to infertility. A medical study that included 1029 men suffering from infertility showed that 325 of them suffered from the small size of one or both testicles.

**Does testicular atrophy cause infertility?**

 

Severe testicular atrophy can lead to infertility, as a result of decreased production of the male hormone and the number of sperm.

**Does testicular atrophy cause pain?**

 

Pain is a symptom associated with testicular atrophy, which may result from inflammation or torsion of the testicle, as a result of swelling and decreased blood flow to it.

**Are the testicles the same size?**

 

One testicle is often larger than the other, and this is not considered a cause for concern. However, if you notice any changes in the size or shape of one or both testicles, you should consult a doctor. Pain and swelling in the testicles may also indicate testicular cancer or testicular torsion resulting from twisting of the spermatic cord.

Does small testicles affect erection?

 

Testicular atrophy leads to a decrease in testosterone levels, which negatively affects sexual desire. Low sexual desire can in turn lead to erectile problems.

Is it normal for testicles to shrink?

 

Testicle shrinkage is normal temporarily when exposed to cold, as a result of the contraction of the chromatomegaly muscle. However, if this shrinkage occurs permanently, it is necessary to investigate the causes of small testicles and start appropriate treatment to avoid more serious complications.

How can I know if I have testicular atrophy?

 

You can monitor the signs and symptoms of testicular atrophy during puberty, which include soft testicles, lack of hair growth in the genital area, in addition to insufficient growth of muscle mass and beard hair. After puberty, symptoms of testicular atrophy include decreased libido and fertility problems.

**Why do steroids cause testicular atrophy?**

 

Steroids affect the body's natural production of hormones, leading to reversible changes, such as decreased sperm production and poor testicular function (hypogonadism). These changes lead to decreased testosterone levels and shrinkage of the testicles (testicular atrophy).

**Is testicular atrophy associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer?**

 

There is no direct link between testicular atrophy and an increased risk of testicular cancer. However, it is important to note that some conditions or factors that may cause testicular atrophy may also be associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer.

**What are the long-term effects of testicular atrophy?**

 

Long-term effects of testicular atrophy include hormonal imbalance, infertility, decreased muscle mass, psychological effects, bone health problems, sexual dysfunction, and decreased quality of life. Therefore, regular monitoring and treatment are essential to manage these issues.

**What is the normal size of a testicle?**

 

A normal testicle in adults is about 5 cm long, 2 cm wide, and 3 cm high. The average size of a testicle in adults is estimated to be about 18 ml.

Is testicular atrophy hereditary?

 

Yes, testicular atrophy may be caused by genetic factors. However, not all cases are inherited, as other factors such as the environment or certain health conditions can play a role in its occurrence.

Can testicular atrophy be treated and its size and function restored?

 

In some cases, testicular atrophy can be treated, depending on the underlying cause. Early detection and appropriate treatment can help restore testicular function and size in some cases. However, the extent of recovery varies from case to case, and not all cases may be completely treatable.

What foods are beneficial for testicular atrophy?

 

Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals may promote testicular health. These foods include: fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.R, whole grains, lean proteins, and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, keeping the body hydrated and eating a balanced diet can contribute to promoting overall health, which benefits testicular health.

What steps can be taken to improve testicular atrophy?

 

Improving testicular atrophy usually requires addressing the underlying causes and adopting a healthy lifestyle. This may include getting medical treatment, dealing with any hormonal imbalances, maintaining a balanced diet, getting regular physical activity, managing stress levels, as well as avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and practicing good testicular hygiene.

What are the causes of testicular atrophy?

 

There are many causes that can lead to testicular atrophy, including:

Orchitis: This is one of the most important conditions that lead to testicular atrophy, as it appears larger in size at first with pain, nausea, and fever, and later turns into atrophy. There are two types of orchitis:

Viral orchitis: This is usually caused by the mumps virus, as one-third of men with mumps can develop this inflammation.

Bacterial orchitis: This is often caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, and in some cases, it is caused by a urinary tract infection or by inserting a catheter or other medical device into the penis.

Menopause: Women go through menopause due to a decrease in estrogen levels, and men also go through the same stage when testosterone decreases, which can lead to testicular atrophy.

Varicocele: Similar to varicose veins, but located near the testicles instead of the legs. It usually affects the left testicle, and may cause damage to the tubes responsible for sperm production, making the testicle appear smaller.

Testicular torsion: This occurs when the testicle twists, causing a disruption in the spermatic cord that carries blood to the scrotum. This results in pain and swelling in the testicles, and if the condition is not treated within a few hours, it can lead to permanent testicular atrophy.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT): Some men who receive TRT, which helps treat low testosterone, may experience testicular atrophy. This happens because TRT stops the pituitary gland from producing the hormone LH, which causes the testicles to shrink.

Excessive alcohol consumption: This can lead to low testosterone levels and damage to testicular tissue, both of which can contribute to testicular atrophy.

**Testicular cancer:** In rare cases, testicular cancer can lead to testicular atrophy, affecting younger men.

**Testicular damage or injury:**Sometimes, the testicles can be hit or squeezed too hard, causing bruising or other damage, such as testicular torsion. Testicular torsion can cause testicular atrophy, as well as other problems, such as damage to the spermatic cord. Although spermatic cord damage is rare, it can occur at any age.

**Undescended testicle as a cause of small testicles:**Undescended testicle disorder is another factor that leads to shrinkage and small testicles. This problem is related to a defect during the fetal stage, which prevents the testicle from descending and moving within the scrotum. Undescended testicles can be treated by surgery in childhood.

**Hypogonadism** Some men suffer from problems related to not producing enough testosterone in the body, as a result of hypogonadism. This condition negatively affects the proper development of male characteristics, such as the testicles, penis, and muscle mass, which may lead to shrinkage of the testicles. Hypogonadism can appear in two forms: primary and secondary. Primary hypogonadism results from a defect in the testicles, as they do not respond to signals from the brain to produce sperm and testosterone. While secondary hypogonadism occurs as a result of the pituitary gland not producing luteinizing hormone, which affects the ability of the testicles to produce testosterone.

**Symptoms of testicular atrophy**

The condition of small testicles or atrophy is accompanied by a group of signs and symptoms that increase in severity with age. These symptoms include:
**Symptoms of testicular shrinkage before puberty:**

- No facial hair

- High temperature

- Feeling nauseous

- Prostatitis

- No hair growth in the genital area

**Symptoms of testicular atrophy after puberty:**

- Little or no hair in the genital area and face

- Decreased sexual desire

- Feeling nauseous

- High temperature

- Abnormally soft testicles

- Fertility problems

- Muscle atrophy

Is testicular atrophy a serious condition? 

 

Testicular atrophy can cause additional symptoms in the affected person, which may lead to serious health problems. Complications associated with small testicles include:

**Reduced sperm quality and number** Testicular atrophy leads to reduced sperm count, poor sperm motility, and poor quality. These factors directly contribute to infertility problems.

**Hormonal imbalance** Small testicles lead to an imbalance in hormone levels, especially testosterone. Low testosterone levels cause the body to be unable to regulate estrogen production, which can lead to feminine characteristics in men. Low testosterone levels can also cause infertility, erectile dysfunction, prostate problems, increased risk of stroke, and fat accumulation in the breast area.

In addition, testicular atrophy can lead to a lack of energy, weight gain, loss of muscle mass, and decreasedFor sexual desire.

**Testicular atrophy and fertility** Male infertility problems are considered one of the most prominent complications and symptoms resulting from testicular atrophy, as testicular shrinkage negatively affects sperm production. Some studies indicate a direct relationship between sperm count and testicular size, which means that men with small testicles produce fewer sperm than other men. This in turn negatively affects their fertility and reproductive ability.

**Does testicular atrophy affect erection?**

 

Yes, testicular atrophy can significantly affect erection. Atrophy occurs as a result of a decrease in the amount of tissue in the testicles, which leads to a decrease in the production of testosterone, which is the main hormone responsible for sexual desire and sexual function in general. The effect of testicular atrophy on erection can be summarized in the following points:

**Low testosterone levels:** Testicular atrophy can lead to a decrease in testosterone production, which may cause erectile dysfunction. Studies have shown that men with low levels of this hormone may have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.

**Psychological effects:** In addition to the physiological aspects, testicular atrophy can have a psychological impact on men, leading to feelings of anxiety or depression, and these feelings may also affect sexual performance and erection. It is essential to consult a specialist doctor when noticing symptoms of testicular atrophy. Treatment options may include hormone therapy, which can help improve testosterone levels and support sexual function.

**Testicular atrophy treatment**Testicular atrophy treatment varies depending on the cause that led to the shrinkage. In general, common methods for treating testicular shrinkage include the following:

**Lifestyle changes to treat small testicles**Changing lifestyle and abandoning unhealthy habits play an important role in improving problems related to the testicles. These measures include achieving a balance in sleep, quitting smoking and drugs, and stopping alcohol consumption. It is also recommended to avoid sexual relations for a specific period if the cause of testicular atrophy is related to transmitted infections. In addition, it is preferable to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

**Medications for treating testicular shrinkage** Usually, if a person is exposed to sexually transmitted diseases or testicular torsion with symptoms such as pain and testicular atrophy, the doctor prescribes appropriate medications. It is important to know the symptoms of different medications and consult a doctor before taking them. In some cases, surgery may be necessary according to the doctor's diagnosis.

**Treatment of testicular damage** Although most cases of testicular damage recover spontaneously over time, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately if pain or discomfort persists after the injury, or if complications such as testicular torsion appear. After the examination, the doctor can determine the appropriate treatment, whether through rest, medications, or surgery.

**Hormonal balance** Small testicles in young men and men can be treated through drug therapy or lifestyle modification, especially if it is caused by problems with testosterone and hormonal imbalance. If synthetic testosterone is used to treat male hypogonadism (low sperm and testosterone production), your doctor may prescribe medications such as HCG, tamoxifen, and clomiphene (Clomid).

**Varicocele Treatment for Testicular Atrophy** Varicocele, which is an enlarged and swollen testicle, affects the health and growth of the testicles and may sometimes require surgical treatment. Although this disorder usually does not require specific treatment, varicocele surgery can help treat testicular atrophy and increase sperm production at the same time.

**Undescended Testicles in Children** An undescended testicle, or one that has not descended into its correct location, in newborn males should be treated with an orchiopexy procedure. This procedure is best performed before the child reaches the age of one year to reduce the risk of testicular atrophy and ensure proper development.

**Medications and Supplements for Testicular Shrinkage**It is important to note that many of the medications and supplements that are promoted as treatments for increasing testicular size often lack the required effectiveness, and most of them do not comply with the necessary health standards. Moreover, many of the supplements approved by health authorities are expensive and ineffective at the same time. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid taking these supplements as much as possible. It is essential to consult a doctor before taking any medications or supplements aimed at treating small testicles in young men.

What are the herbal treatments for testicular atrophy?

 

. **Ginger**: Ginger contains a group of active compounds such as gingerol, shogaol, zingiberene, and zingerone, which have anti-inflammatory properties, which helps reduce inflammation in the body.

. **Turmeric**: Turmeric contains more than 300 antioxidants, the most important of which is curcumin, which is characterized by its anti-inflammatory properties. The absorption of curcumin in the body can be enhanced by adding black pepper to turmeric tea, which helps treat inflammation in the body.

**Ginseng**: Ginseng has been used for thousands of years in Asia to treat various infections, thanks to its active compounds known as "ginsenosides".

. **Rosemary**: Rosemary, also known as rosemary, is considered one of the herbs that contribute to reducing inflammation in the body, thanks to its polyphenol compounds, especially rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid.

. **Cinnamon**: There is a relationship between eating cinnamon and reducing inflammation in the body. However, it is recommended to use it in moderate amounts throughout the day, as excessive consumption may lead to some health problems, such asLiver damage.