drniveditha.in

Testicular Atrophy and Fertility

Testicular Atrophy and Fertility 

Testicles, one of the most important male reproductive organs that are responsible for the production of sperm and testosterone. Damages to the testicles lead to many severe reproductive and hormonal issues.
One such damage is testicular atrophy, which occurs when a male’s testis becomes smaller than its actual size and can be permanent unless treated. Hormone replacement therapies, surgical options, and lifestyle adjustments are some recommended treatments for testicular atrophy.
Keep exploring this article to learn about testicular atrophy causes, impacts on fertility, and others.

Impact of Testicular Atrophy on Fertility

Testicular atrophy is the shrinkage of the male reproductive organ, which produces sperm and male sexual hormone testosterone.

Testicular atrophy effects on fertility can be quite severe than you think because it can affect young boys before puberty. As a result, there will not be the development of any secondary sexual characteristics such as public hair growth and an increase in penile size. 

On the other side, grown men with testicular atrophy can experience low libido, reduced muscle mass, absence or reduced facial and public hair growth, infertility, and changes in firmness of testicles.
A decrease in sperm quality, male hormone functions, and sexual health and desire can result in several infertility issues and delay conception.

Difference between temporary and permanent atrophy

Temporary testicular atrophy Permanent testicular atrophy
Atrophy can be temporary due to fluctuations in temperature. This condition remains normal, and the size of the testicles will be back to normal.
This is an irreversible condition where no treatment or medicine can’t bring the shrunk testicles back to normal.

Causes of Testicular Atrophy

The size of testicles reduces for various reasons. Some important causes are listed here; take a glance.

Age: A reduction in testosterone levels results in gradual shrinkage of testicles, and age is one of the most important reasons for it. Although it is quite normal, this can impact hormonal balance and fertility. 

Orchitis: This is a viral infection similar to mumps that inflames the testicles and permanently damages the tissues. As a result, you can notice a decrease in the size and function of the testicles. 

Hormonal imbalance: Hormonal imbalances can have severe effects on natural testosterone production, which also leads to shrinkage of testicular tissues. 

Excessive alcohol usage: Drinking alcohol and smoking cigars have a very crucial impact on male reproductive health. Along with testicular atrophy, it also affects liver function, disrupts hormone production, and reduces sexual hormone functions.  

Testicular torsion: It is a serious cause of irreversible testicular atrophy. This condition stops the regular blood flow to the scrotum and makes the testicles painful when enlarged.  

Varicocele: This is a condition in which testicles swell up or enlarge, which can negatively impact sperm production and reduce sperm size. Left testicles are commonly affected in this condition.

Diagnosing Testicular Atrophy

Seeking proper medical advice at the early stages can help diagnose the cause and proceed with the right treatment. Doctors conduct physical examinations to observe the size, shape, texture, and other characteristics of the testicles. 

Here are some diagnostic tests that a testicular atrophy person undergoes, they are:

  • Blood tests examine hormonal imbalance and check out for infections.
  • Urine tests or swabs to evaluate the STIs sexually transmitted infections.
  • Ultrasound scans of testicles help observe blood flow and determine the exact reason for testicular abnormalities.

Treatment Options

Once the cause of testicular atrophy is diagnosed, doctors begin treatment. Even though testicular atrophy is irreversible, following some important tips in daily life can bring impactful results to the affected male.
Here are the possible treatment options available for testicular atrophy.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Low testosterone is one of the major reasons for atrophy, so managing these hormones through hormone replacement therapy can effectively help such men.

Antibiotics and surgical methods

Surgical treatments become a mandatory option if testicular shrinkage happens due to testicular torsion. Antibiotics work well if Sexually Transmitted Infections cause atrophy.

New lifestyle changes

Adopting better lifestyle habits has become an important thing in most fertility-related issues. In case of testicular atrophy, men should cut off smoking, drinking alcohol, and using illegal drugs. 

Because many reports state that cigarette smoke, exposure to nicotine, and environmental pollutants can also lead to testicular atrophy. 

Eat healthy foods, regular exercise consult the doctor to include specific foods that promote male sexual function and health. On the other hand, many people opt for Ayurveda treatment. 

However, no proven data is available to believe this method will give cent per cent results for testicular atrophy.

Fertility Preservation Strategies

Men can try out the available treatment options to improve their reproductive health. They can even try out fertility preservation strategies to safeguard future parenthood.

Sperm banking

Sperm banking is a procedure that stores men’s sperm for future usage. So, men with testicular atrophy can freeze their sperm and use it during ARTs for better conception. 

Assisted reproductive technologies ARTs

ARTs are a popular way to treat any infertility problem. In vitro fertilization is a recommended ART for testicular atrophy conditions. In this procedure, fertilization occurs in the laboratory by retrieving the eggs and collecting the sperm sample.

Men with testicular atrophy can experience lower sperm count, which can be a main reason for infertility in men. So, IVF could be the best choice for successful pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusion

Testicular atrophy and fertility are highly interlinked as this condition affects sperm and testosterone production. So, couples trying to conceive must notice even a slight change in their body.

It’s because testicular atrophy can become a permanent condition, but early diagnosis and treatment can effectively prevent further damage and improve fertility outcomes. Therefore, ensure timely consultation if you witness changes in one or both testicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do home remedies help to treat testicular atrophy?

No, there is no evidence that home remedies treat testicular atrophy.  Patients suffering from testicular atrophy are recommended to implement some lifestyle changes. 

They should cut off some bad habits such as drinking alcohol, smoking cigars, and using drugs.

Can testicular atrophy be left untreated?

Treating testicular atrophy is quite important because leaving it untreated may lead to problems like male infertility, erectile dysfunction, and reduced libido.

Does testicular atrophy affect both testicles?

Yes, testicular atrophy can affect one or both the testicles.

List infertility problems happen due to testicular atrophy

Testes are important for the production of testosterone and sperm. 

If a man experiences testicular atrophy, he can expect fertility issues such as difficulty in sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and interruptions in male feature development and maturation. 

Picture of Dr Niveditha
Dr Niveditha

Dr. Niveditha is the co-founder of The Hive Fertility and Research Centre. She is a young and passionate fertility expert who aims to provide high-quality fertility treatments to her patients. During her 10+ years of service as a fertility expert, she has helped several hundreds of patients overcome their infertility and become parents. She also specializes in the fields of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive endocrinology

Related Contents

I understand the challenges of
infertility. Let me guide you
through parenthood.

Scroll to Top

Need Fertility Treatment?