What is the situation of testicle shrinkage?

Testicles are a very important number for men. The reason for small testicles is also related to age. Generally, the testicles of children from birth to 12 years old are dormant and the usual volume is about 1 to 4 ml. Boys will enter the development period after the age of 12. However, if the testicles become smaller for no reason, it will affect the future life. If the testicles are small, you should go to the hospital for examination and treatment in time. So let’s understand what is going on with smaller testicles!

Apart from psychological factors, the testicles of most people will gradually shrink as they age.

In addition, the size of the testicles will only change in the case of disease. Diseases that generally reduce the size of the testicles include: viral infection, injury, inflammation, endocrine disease, drug effects, varicocele, etc. Patients with the above diseases all have common characteristics of testicular dysfunction: fine white skin, increased subcutaneous fat, sparse or absent beard, body hair and pubic hair, small Adam's apple, childish voice, etc. In addition, ischemic necrosis of the anterior pituitary gland, intracranial tumors, pituitary radiotherapy and surgery, etc., which hinder the development of the testicles, will also reduce their size.

1. Viral infection: Viral infection is the most common cause of testicular atrophy in children and adolescents, especially mumps virus. When the testicles are invaded by this virus, the spermatogenic tissue in the testicles is destroyed, the testicles shrink in size, and become soft in texture.

2. Injury: Impact injury to the scrotum or testicles causes scrotal hematoma or testicular laceration. Even if the wound heals, the testicles will be in a state of insufficient blood supply for a long time and atrophy will occur.

3. Inflammation: Severe orchitis causes testicular swelling and pain, which can last for several days. Testicular tissue is damaged by bacterial invasion, leading to atrophy of the testicular tissue.

4. Endocrine diseases: The testicle is an endocrine organ that mainly produces androgens. Diseases of many endocrine organs in the body, such as the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, and hypothalamus, can cause testicular atrophy.

5. Effects of drugs: Long-term use of certain toxic drugs, such as arsenic, or repeated use of estrogen drugs that fight androgens can cause testicular atrophy.

6. Varicose veins: The spermatic cord is the "bridge" connecting the testicles to the human body. If you suffer from varicocele, the blood circulation of the testicles will be disturbed, causing congestion, hypoxia and accumulation of harmful substances in the testicles. Over time, the testicles will also atrophy.

Testicular atrophy can cause infertility, but sexual function may not disappear completely. For some people, it will not affect their sex life, while for others, it will be reduced.

There is currently no ideal treatment for testicular atrophy, so preventing the above diseases or curing them in time can prevent the occurrence of testicular atrophy.