2
4
5
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Endocrine glands
Endocrine glands
Male reproductive anatomy
Male reproductive anatomy

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

Alternative Names:
Primary hypogonadism - male

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Causes of testicular failure include chromosomal abnormalities, testicular torsion, direct trauma to the testicles, diseases that affect the testicle (such as mumpsorchitis 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:
  • 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:
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:
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):
Many forms of testicular failure are irreversible. However, androgen replacement is effective in reversing symptoms, though it may not restore fertility.
Complications:
Testicular failure prior to the onset of puberty will prohibit normal growth, specifically the development of adult male characteristics.
Calling your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms occur.
Prevention:
Avoid higher-risk activities or monitor testicular function when involved in such activities. Also, cease the activity with the initial onset of symptoms.
Review Date: 8/10/2001
Reviewed By: Sheila Feit, M.D., Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com