Patient's question:
The testicles on both sides are different in size, and the penis is also different in thickness on both sides. It's like this now, and I don't know what to do. So far, no treatment has been given. I want to ask for clarification first, and then seek treatment. What could cause the testicles to be different in size?Doctor's answer:
Hello,The size difference in male testicles may be caused by the following factors:
1. Undescended testes. Undescended testes refer to the condition where the testicles fail to descend into the scrotum as per normal development. Normally, testicles descend from the retroperitoneum to the scrotum during fetal development. However, if they get stuck at any point during descent—such as in the waist, abdomen, internal inguinal ring, inguinal canal, or external inguinal ring—they are referred to as undescended testes.
2. Monorchidism. Monorchidism refers to the congenital absence of one testicle. In cases of testicular abnormality, one testicle is missing in one scrotum, while the other testicle is still present. Generally, the penis and secondary sexual characteristics develop normally.
3. Polyorchidism. Polyorchidism, also known as duplicated testes, is a rare testicular abnormality where, in addition to two normal testicles in the scrotum, there is an extra testicle in one scrotum. It is an extremely rare condition that may result from the division of a group of epithelial cell clusters within the genital ridge.
4. Anorchidism. Bilateral absence of testicles is extremely rare, and the cause is currently unclear. Patients with anorchidism have male external genitalia and male appearance, but their development of male secondary sexual characteristics is impaired. Depending on the circumstances of occurrence, it can be classified into three types: absence of testicles; partial absence of the epididymis and vas deferens; or complete absence of the testicles, epididymis, and vas deferens.
5. Testicular inflammation. The testicles may develop certain inflammatory conditions, such as enlargement or bleeding.
Advice: There are many reasons for size differences in testicles, such as male testicular inflammation, epididymitis, and other diseases. If one testicle suddenly enlarges recently and is accompanied by symptoms like fever and localized pain, it is often indicative of testicular or epididymitis. Testicular inflammation requires prompt medical treatment to avoid long-term delays that could lead to infertility. In summary, any condition that causes changes in the scrotum, with one side significantly larger than the other, should be treated by a hospital in a timely manner.