Testicular failure can cause infertility and feminine physical characteristics due to a lack of male hormones and sperm production. It can be caused by trauma, medication, or disease, and may not be reversible. Diagnosis involves physical exams and tests, and treatment may include testosterone replacement therapy, but may not restore fertility.
Testicular failure occurs when a male’s testicles produce neither male hormones nor sperm. This condition is rare and can cause problems such as infertility and unusually feminine physical characteristics. Trauma or certain medications can cause this condition and sometimes it may not be reversible.
Some of the more prominent signs of testicular failure include infertility and a low sex drive. Since the testicles cannot produce sperm, this often results in the man being infertile or unable to bear children. His sex drive will also be affected, since his testicles cannot produce testosterone.
The sex organs of a man with testicular failure may also be physically different from other average males of the same age. One or both of his testicles may be smaller than normal or shrunken. His penis can also be considered much smaller. Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell if a child is a boy or a girl when he is born, if he has testicular failure.
Breast enlargement, known as gyno, is another common symptom of testicular failure. Men with this condition will also usually appear more feminine than other men. They may be shorter and possibly have less body and facial hair. Individuals born with the condition may also reach puberty much more slowly than their peers.
There are several causes of testicular failure. Some medications can cause the condition. The antifungal drug ketoconazole and opioids have both been linked to this condition.
Prolonged use of marijuana is also thought to cause testicular failure. Disease and injury to the testicles can also cause it. Some individuals with chromosomal abnormalities can also be born with this condition.
Before making a positive diagnosis, a doctor must first perform a thorough examination. This will often include a physical exam, as well as other tests. During the physical exam, he will usually note the size of the testicles. You may also need a sperm count, as well as blood tests, which can indicate an abnormally low level of the male hormone testosterone.
Testosterone replacement therapy may be a course of treatment for some men with testicular failure. This usually helps young patients develop normally, and older patients may benefit from having their sex drive restored. The use of male hormone supplements, however, will not always restore a man’s ability to have children.
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