There are several potential reasons for the testes shrinking, including aging, underlying medical conditions, or infections.
In this article, learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of testicular atrophy.
What is testicular atrophy?
Testicular atrophy is when the testes shrink. In the case of testicular atrophy, the testes get smaller due to a loss of some of the germ cells and Leydig cells.
Germ cells produce sperm while Leydig cells produce testosterone.
If the testes shrink, a person could have a lower sperm count, lower testosterone levels, or both, due to the loss of these cells.
Testicular atrophy differs from the shrinking that occurs due to cold temperatures. In cooler temperatures, the scrotum retracts or shrinks, pulling the testes closer to the body to maintain warmth. In warmer temperatures, it loosens, allowing the testes to cool.
Causes
Possible causes of testicular atrophy include:
- age
- testicular cancer
- orchitis
- diseases
- excessive alcohol usage
- hormone imbalance
- testicular torsion
- varicocele
Age
Over time, the testes will likely begin to shrink. This is a natural process, as the body produces less testosterone or sperm after the peak reproductive years.
Hormone imbalance
Hormonal imbalances can sometimes cause testicular atrophy. If the body is driven to produce less testosterone, the testicles may begin to shrink.
Some potential causes of a hormone imbalance that suppress testosterone production include:
- testosterone replacement therapy
- taking estrogen
- anabolic steroids
- certain medications
Orchitis
Orchitis is an infection that causes pain and inflammation in the testicles. Either a virus or bacterial infection may cause orchitis.
Some of the common causes of orchitis include:
- chlamydia
- gonorrhea
- intestinal bacteria that travels up the reproductive tract following anal intercourse
- urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- surgery on the urinary tract
- use of a catheter
Diseases
Certain diseases or infections may increase the risk of testicular atrophy, including mumps and HIV.
Treatment may reverse the atrophy, depending on the severity of the shrinkage.
A doctor will normally start to diagnose testicular atrophy by asking questions about the individual’s lifestyle and medical history. They will also ask about any medications a person is taking.
A doctor will also likely conduct a physical examination of the testicles, looking at the following qualities:
- size
- shape
- texture
- firmness
Finally, a doctor may order some additional tests to help determine what is causing the testicular atrophy. Possible tests include:
- an ultrasound of the testicles to look at abnormalities and blood flow
- blood work to look for signs of infection
- swabs or urine tests to test for sexually transmitted infections
- hormone level tests
Treatment
How a doctor treats testicular atrophy depends on its underlying cause. Possible treatments may include:
- antibiotics for an infection
- lifestyle changes
- hormone therapy
- surgery, particularly in cases of testicular torsion
If a person discovers testicular atrophy early and receives treatment as soon as possible, it might be possible to reverse the shrinkage.
Some conditions, such as testicular torsion, require immediate treatment to avoid permanent damage to the testicle.
Do natural treatments work?
Some people claim there are natural treatments for testicular atrophy. There is no clinical evidence to suggest that any natural remedies can correct testicular atrophy or its underlying causes.
Outlook
People should be aware of the regular size and shape of their testicles. If one or both of the testicles become noticeably smaller, it is best to speak to a doctor as soon as possible.
There is more chance to reverse testicular atrophy with early intervention and treatment.
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