What causes testicular atrophy?

Testicular shrinkage and softening are typical manifestations of testicular atrophy. This disease may occur on one side or both sides. Most patients with testicular atrophy may develop male infertility. Testicular atrophy often occurs after mumps or testicular trauma. Congenital testicular atrophy is uncommon and difficult to cure. If a man has kidney deficiency, it is easy to cause testicular atrophy. Except for congenital testicular atrophy, other testicular atrophy diseases can be cured with patient treatment.

Viral infection can cause testicular atrophy, and viral infection is the most common cause of testicular atrophy in children and adolescents, especially mumps virus, commonly known as "mumps". When the testicles are invaded by this virus, the spermatogenic tissue in the testicles will be destroyed, the testicles will shrink in size, and the texture will become soft.

Injury can lead to testicular atrophy. Impact injuries to the scrotum or testicles can cause scrotal hematoma or testicular lacerations. Even if the wound heals, the testicles will be in a state of insufficient blood supply for a long time and atrophy will occur.

Inflammation can induce testicular atrophy. In severe orchitis, the testicles swell and become painful, which can last for several days. Testicular tissue atrophy is caused by the destruction of testicular tissue by bacteria.

Radioactive substances can cause testicular atrophy. Anyone who has long-term contact with radioactive substances, such as those who work with X-rays, isotopes, etc. for a long time, may develop testicular atrophy if they are not well protected.

Endocrine diseases are an important cause of testicular atrophy. The testicle is an endocrine organ that mainly produces androgens. Diseases of many organs in the body that control endocrine secretion, such as the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, and hypothalamus, can interfere with the function of the testicles and cause testicular atrophy.

In addition, the effects of drugs can also cause testicular atrophy. If patients often take drugs containing strong toxicity, it can lead to this. For example, taking drug preparations containing arsenic can cause male hormones to be antagonized, leading to testicular atrophy. The component of acetylcholine can also cause testicular atrophy. Therefore, patients must be careful when choosing drugs containing these ingredients.