MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Testicular failure

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Testicular failure

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Endocrine glands

Male reproductive anatomy

Alternative names Return to top

Primary hypogonadism - male

Definition Return to top

Testicular failure is the inability of the testicles to produce sperm or male hormones.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

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.

Increased risk is associated with activities that may cause constant, low-level trauma to the scrotum (such as riding a motorcycle) or frequent administration of a drug known to affect testicular function (such as heavy marijuana use or taking some prescription medications). Men who had undescended testicles at birth are at higher risk.

Symptoms Return to top

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

Signs and tests Return to top

A physical examination may reveal:

Ambiguous genitalia (usually noted in infancy)
Abnormally small testicle
Tumor or mass (aggregation of cells) on or near the testicle

Hormonal levels determined through blood tests may detect low testosterone levels and high levels of gonadotropins (pituitary hormones FSH and LH).

Treatment Return to top

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

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Many forms of testicular failure are irreversible. However, androgen replacement is effective in reversing symptoms, though it may not restore fertility.

Complications Return to top

Testicular failure prior to the onset of puberty will prohibit normal growth, specifically the development of adult male characteristics.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms occur.

Prevention Return to top

Avoid higher-risk activities or monitor testicular function when involved in such activities. Also, cease the activity with the initial onset of symptoms.

Update Date: 10/6/2003

Updated by: Tarun Jain, M.D., Endocrinology & Infertility Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network

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