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Urology (Expert Forum)
Shrinking testes
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D.
Boston - MA
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
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Shrinking testes
by DOULOS, Nov 10, 2005 12:00AM
Hello
I have a problem with atrophied and retracted testes. About nine months ago i first noticed my testes seem to be almost permanently retracted as if very cold, they also seemed smaller. I went to see a doctor and he said it was one of those things and it would right itself but it has been nine months! The testes sometimes decend, usually when I'm hot but most of the time are nothing like they used to be.
I am not on any medication (though i was on Venlafaxine for a few months before the problem started) but after doing some reading contributary factors may be - I have been suffering from depression for about one year. During most of that time i have also been drinking fairly heavily - average a bottle of wine a night. I have read that alcohol can be linked to testicular atrophy but it seemed to come on so suddenly, i have also drunk before (though never to those levels) without effect. Finally the problem seems to be as much with the testes retracting and shrinking.
Can you help?
I have a problem with atrophied and retracted testes. About nine months ago i first noticed my testes seem to be almost permanently retracted as if very cold, they also seemed smaller. I went to see a doctor and he said it was one of those things and it would right itself but it has been nine months! The testes sometimes decend, usually when I'm hot but most of the time are nothing like they used to be.
I am not on any medication (though i was on Venlafaxine for a few months before the problem started) but after doing some reading contributary factors may be - I have been suffering from depression for about one year. During most of that time i have also been drinking fairly heavily - average a bottle of wine a night. I have read that alcohol can be linked to testicular atrophy but it seemed to come on so suddenly, i have also drunk before (though never to those levels) without effect. Finally the problem seems to be as much with the testes retracting and shrinking.
Can you help?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Nov 11, 2005 12:00AM
, Nov 11, 2005 12:00AM
Difficult to say without examination.
Retractile testes can be part of normal variation between patients. Typically, this occurs in young adolescents and will improve with age.
Shrinking testicles can be indicative of testicular dysfunction or a low testosterone level. A blood test evaluating the testosterone level can be done to evaluate for this possibility.
You can consider a scrotal ultrasound to image the testicles as well as a referral to a urologist.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
Retractile testes can be part of normal variation between patients. Typically, this occurs in young adolescents and will improve with age.
Shrinking testicles can be indicative of testicular dysfunction or a low testosterone level. A blood test evaluating the testosterone level can be done to evaluate for this possibility.
You can consider a scrotal ultrasound to image the testicles as well as a referral to a urologist.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
Member Comments
by drpardha, Nov 21, 2005 12:00AM
To: Sexual Dysfunction
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