Patient's question:
Discovered a left undescended testicle at the time of surgery. Now during a hospital health check, the left testicle has shrunk. What should I do?Doctor's answer:
Testicular atrophy is often caused by mental trauma, testicular diseases, and infections. Closed trauma to the testicles can lead to testicular abrasion and necrosis. Sharp objects like nails and wire can also cut the testicles. Trauma can also cause retroversion of the spermatic cord, obstruct blood supply, and damage the survival of the testicles. Therefore, testicular injuries should be treated promptly. Testicular atrophy may lead to infertility, highlighting the severe damage to the germinal epithelium. Thus, if one testicle is damaged, it may still retain fertility, but if both are damaged, it can result in oligospermia or azoospermia. Testicular or epididymitis caused by gonococcal infection can lead to loss of testicular function and partial or complete obstruction of the epididymis.