<<Prostate Enlargement | Erectile Dysfunction(ED)>>

Testicular Failure. Is it dangerous?

Testicular failure is the inability of the testicles to produce sperm or male hormones. Increased risk is linked to activities that may cause constant, low-level injury to the scrotum, such as riding a motorcycle. Frequent use of a drug known to affect testicular function, such as heavy marijuana use or some prescription medications, also increases the risk of testicular failure. Men who had undescended testicles at birth are at higher risk.

Causes of testicular failure include chromosomal abnormalities, testicular torsion, direct trauma to the testicles, diseases that affect the testicle (such as mumps, orchitis [inflammation of the testes], and testicular cancer ), and a variety of drugs. The condition is uncommon.

A physical examination may reveal:

• Genitals that do not clearly look either male or female (usually noted in infancy)
• Abnormally small testicle
• Tumor or mass (group of cells) on or near the testicle

Supplementation of male hormones may be successful in treating some forms of testicular failure. In cases that seem to be due to specific exposure or activity, removal of the drug or activity may result in return of normal function.
The simptoms are:

• Lack of libido (sex drive)
• Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in males)
• Delay in development or absence of secondary male sex characteristics (growth and distribution of hair, scrotal enlargement, penis enlargement, voice changes)
• Lack of muscle mass
• Infertility

Supplementation of male hormones may be successful in treating some forms of testicular failure. In cases that seem to be due to specific exposure or activity, removal of the drug or activity may result in return of normal function.