Why do testicles always shrink?

Men's reproductive health should be taken seriously as they age. Some men say that their testicles are always shrinking, which is a problem and they don't know what causes it. Testicular atrophy is a reproductive disease and it is something that men should pay more attention to. Testicular shrinkage is also common and often occurs in middle-aged and elderly men. It may even lead to male infertility and should be treated promptly.

Orchiatrophy refers to a disease in which the male testicles shrink and become flaccid. It is also called "fertility atrophy". It is characterized by one or both testicles shrinking and the testicles becoming small and soft. This disease can cause infertility in most cases. It is often secondary to mumps or trauma, and there are also congenital cases. Treatment should be targeted at the primary disease.

Causes and common diseases

1. Disease

Varicose veins account for about 30% to 40% of male infertility. Varicose veins can sometimes cause testicular atrophy. Infertile men with severe varicocele usually have testicular atrophy. Varicose veins may cause testicular atrophy due to stasis in the spermatic vein, higher than normal scrotal temperature, testicular nutritional disorders, and toxins.

2. Infection

Infection is an important cause of testicular atrophy, the most common of which is viral orchitis caused by mumps. If the disease occurs after puberty, orchitis complicated by mumps can cause severe local inflammatory reactions, and there may be excessive fluid accumulation in the tunica vaginalis, i.e. acute hydrocele. Smallpox, chickenpox, measles, influenza and other similar infections can occasionally cause secondary orchitis.

Viral infection is the most common cause of testicular atrophy in children and adolescents, especially the mumps virus. 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.

3. Damage

If the scrotum or testicles have been hit, causing 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.

4. Inflammation

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

5. Radioactive substances

Anyone who has long-term contact with radioactive substances, such as those who work with X-rays or isotopes for a long time, will develop testicular atrophy if they do not take good protection.

6. Endocrine diseases

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

7. Medication

Long-term use of certain toxic drugs, such as arsenic, or repeated use of anti-androgen estrogen drugs, such as ethidol, can cause testicular atrophy.