What Is Testicular Atrophy?
5. Additional Causes
A variety of other abnormalities of the reproductive system can cause testicular atrophy. Cancer of the testicles is one example, although this is a relatively rare complication. Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord, which holds the testicle in place and provides its blood supply, becomes twisted. This is an emergency situation that causes acute symptoms and needs immediate medical attention.
Another fairly common cause of testicular atrophy is varicocele. This occurs when the veins in the scrotum that send deoxygenated blood back to the heart have valve deficiencies that result in backflow. Exposure to the hot blood trapped in the veins can cause damage to the sperm-producing tubes in the testicle, usually only on the left side due to the intrascrotal anatomy.
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