Patient's question:
Hello doctor!I have recovered from non-gonococcal urethritis, but I noticed some atrophy in my testicles. What could be the reason? What should I do?
Doctor's answer:
Hello, testicular atrophy refers to a condition where a man's testicles shrink and become flaccid, also known as "testicular atrophy." It is characterized by the shrinkage and softness of one or both testicles, and most cases can lead to infertility. It is often secondary to mumps or trauma, but there are also congenital cases. It is usually caused by a deficiency of kidney qi or damage from pathogenic factors. Congenital testicular developmental disorders are difficult to cure, and secondary testicular atrophy also requires patient treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation and treatment may sometimes achieve certain effects.Clinical Manifestations
Patients with testicular atrophy may present with one or both testicles that are shrunken and soft, occasionally appearing slightly hard or with mild swelling or pain. Additionally, patients may have varying degrees of incomplete development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as gynecomastia (breast development in males), delayed puberty, or even male feminization.
Currently, the international standard testicular volume measuring device is used to measure testicular volume. The normal range for Chinese testicular size is 15–25, and in clinical practice, a diagnosis of "testicular atrophy" is often made for sizes smaller than 12. In addition to measuring the size of the testicles, the texture of the testicles must also be noted. If the testicles become soft, it indicates a more severe degree of damage. Additionally, semen analysis is also very helpful for diagnosis, but the most accurate method for diagnosing testicular atrophy is a testicular biopsy.
Key Points for Syndrome Differentiation
In TCM, testicular atrophy is referred to as "testicular atrophy." It may be caused by congenital deficiency, kidney qi deficiency, leading to insufficient nourishment of the testicles; or by prior testicular abscess (scrofula) with lingering pathogenic factors, resulting in dryness or lack of lubrication in the testicles, or liver qi stagnation and blood stasis, which prevents nourishment from reaching the testicles, causing atrophy.
Modern medicine that testicular atrophy can be caused by either congenital or acquired factors. Congenital cases, such as undescended testicles, are among