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Testicular atrophy happens when one or both testicles are visibly reduced in size, which can happen mainly due to varicocele, which is a situation where there is dilation of the testicular veins, in addition to also being the result of an orchitis or sexually transmitted infection (IST).
For the diagnosis of this condition to be made, the urologist may indicate laboratory and imaging tests to identify what is causing the atrophy, and from there indicate the most appropriate treatment, which may be antibiotics, hormone replacement and even surgery in cases of torsion. or cancer, for example.
Possible causes
The main cause of testicular atrophy is varicocele, which is the dilation of the veins of the testicles, which leads to the accumulation of blood and the appearance of symptoms such as pain, heaviness and the appearance of swelling at the site. Better understand what varicocele is and how to treat it.
In addition, it is also possible that atrophy arises from less common situations such as orchitis caused by mumps, torsion of the testicles due to accidents or strokes, inflammation, STIs and even testicular cancer. In rare cases, due to the abuse of alcohol, drugs or the use of anabolic steroids, testicular atrophy is likely to happen, due to the hormonal changes that these substances cause in the body.
Main symptoms
The main symptom of testicular atrophy is a visible reduction in the size of one or both testicles, but other symptoms may be present, such as:
- Reduced libido;
- Decreased muscle mass;
- Loss and reduction of growth of body hair;
- Feeling of heaviness in the testicles;
- Very soft testicles;
- Swelling;
- Infertility.
When the cause of the atrophy is inflammation, infection or torsion, it is possible that symptoms such as pain, excessive sensitivity and nausea are reported. Thus, if there is a suspicion of testicular atrophy, a urologist should be consulted, because when not properly treated, this condition can lead to sterility and even necrosis of the region.
How to confirm the diagnosis
To confirm what is causing the atrophy, the urologist can make an assessment of the testicles by looking at the size, firmness and texture, in addition to asking questions in order to better investigate possible causes.
In addition, laboratory tests such as a complete blood count may be indicated in order to identify a viral or bacterial infection, STI tests, testosterone measurement and imaging tests to check blood flow, whether there is torsion, cyst or the possibility of testicular cancer.
How the treatment is done
The treatment for testicular atrophy should be indicated by the urologist according to the cause, and the use of drugs that promote the relief of symptoms and make the testicles return to normal size may be indicated. However, when this does not happen, the doctor may recommend surgery.
When testicular atrophy is caused by testicular cancer, surgery may also be indicated to remove the tumor, in addition to conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy when necessary.
In addition, if it is found that testicular atrophy is a consequence of testicular torsion, it is important that surgery be performed as soon as possible to prevent necrosis of the region and infertility.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
Bibliography>
- EUR J PEDIATR SURG. Factors Predicting Testicular Atrophy after Testicular Salvage following Torsion. 2016. Available at:. Accessed on 15 Sep 2020
- J UROL .. Severe testicular atrophy does not affect the success of microdissection testicular sperm extraction. 2014. Available at:. Accessed on 15 Sep 2020
- EUR J PEDIATR. Primary and secondary testicular atrophy. 1987. Available at:. Accessed on 16 Sep 2020
- MED ARCH. Testicular Volume and Testicular Atrophy Index as Predictors of Functionality of Unilaterally Cryptorchid Testis. 2014. Available in: . Accessed on 16 Sep 2020