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What Causes Testicular Atrophy?

Posted on Tue, 28 Feb 2017

Question: What would cause testicles to atrophy? Has been going on, about twelve years.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Did you ever get surgery or trauma involving the testes?

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Most common cause of strophic testes are hormonal insufficiency, drama and surgery that compromises blood supply. I will like to know if you have experienced any of these incidents. Also, has there been any change as you take testosterone? How has your sexual drive/libido been?

I hope to hear from you on these. However, reversing testicular atrophy requires that we establish the exact cause and address which might require further testing.

Waiting....

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (41 minutes later)

Hello Doctor, The only surgeries that I have ever had, were an enlarged lymph node, removed from under my right arm (for biopsy -benign), when I was 17, and two minor surgeries, on my left knee (meniscus, cyst removal), a couple of years ago. I have never received any trauma, to the testes, that I can recall. I must say that I have never noticed any changes, from the testosterone. My sexual drive/ libido has been practically non- existent.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Is this Libido being almost inexistent a recent occurrence?

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

For how long has this sexual drive been almost inexistent?

It appears for sure you have testicular atrophy with lowlives of sex hormones. However, establishing the cause requires close work with your doctor. I will suggest that you see a urologist to further evaluate you and weigh in on this as the cause doesn’t appear immediately evident.

I hope this helps. Keep me posted. I wish you well.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (27 hours later)

Hello Doctor, My libido being low, has been going on, for years, now, it is just that it is about the worst that it has ever been, at present.Both my PCP and the urologist that I saw, gave me the impression that there is nothing that can be done. On one occasion, my PCP remarked, "They (my testicles), seem to have just stopped working". After that, she referred me to the urologist, who believed that it was the testosterone shots that were causing the atrophy, but, as I have already noted the atrophy was evident, BEFORE I ever received T shots. Further, the urologist did not suggest any other form of treatment (that is why I think seeing another urologist, would be a waste of time). Do you believe that I should stop receiving the testosterone shots? Do you think that it would make any difference? XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Do a semen analysis let’s see!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I will suggest you do a semen for us to review. If clearly there are no sperm cells, then the testes are totally off. In that case, we will continue with testosterone knowing that this will be mainly to help with the mail characteristics than trying to kick start the testes to working again.

Am so sorry about this and I understand how disturbing this is. However, it is also seemingly difficult for us to perform any major interventions to reverse the course of this condition.

I wish you well and keep me posted.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj