Why testicles shrivel

Not only does it restore physical energy but it also restores our capacity for attention and memory , and boosts metabolism and heart health. Even better, it puts us in good moods. Some research, however, suggests that losing sleep can shrink the balls.

In a study from last year, researchers at the University of Southern Denmark surveyed nearly 1, young men about their sleep schedules, interruptions in sleep, and other habits.

They also took blood samples and measured sperm counts, and found that men who had problems sleeping — insomnia, going to sleep late, or inconsistent sleep — had a 29 percent drop in sperm count. Such is the case with alcohol and testicular size.

In a study published this September, researchers found through both in vivo and in vitro studies on rats that alcohol caused changes to Leydig cell shape and function. In turn, the tubules shrunk, and subsequent processes involving the way alcohol alters testicular energy metabolism and sperm cell mitochondria led to cell death. Together, these processes led to testicular shrinkage in the rats, and the researchers believe the same may be true for humans.

Okay so, most of us love to eat. But aluminum is found in other things too, such as tobacco, alcohol here we go again , and even in the air.

Exposure to too much aluminum may cause a low sperm count and infertility, and a side effect of smaller testicles. In a study from last month, researchers examined 62 sperm samples and measured aluminum content, finding average of parts per billion high , with some men even having aluminum has high as parts per billion.

In rare cases testicular cancer can cause your balls to atrophy. It's the most common type of cancer in young men and normally causes a lump or swelling on one of your testicles. Sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhoea can be culprits, as can urinary tract infections and other bacterial infections. Orchitis causes pain and inflammation in the balls that, if left untreated, can damage the tissues in the testicles and cause them to shrink.

If you are producing less testosterone than normal the testicles may shrink as they are not doing what they are designed to do. Taking steroids, oestrogen, certain medications and testosterone replacement therapy can all affect how the testicles work, causing them to shrink.

You're probably already crossing your legs and wincing just reading the words "testicular torsion". A ruptured testicle is a painful injury, usually resulting from blunt trauma to the scrotum.

Learn more about the treatment and recovery for a…. Testosterone therapy may be used for a variety of medical conditions.

It may also affect cholesterol levels. Learn more. Learn what options are available for gynecomastia treatment without surgery, including lifestyle and dietary changes. Gynecomastia is a condition…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Understanding Testicular Atrophy. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. What are the symptoms? What causes it? How is it diagnosed?

Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause testicular tissue damage, which may result in testicular atrophy. Testicular torsion happens if a testicle rotates, twisting the spermatic cord that connects the testes to the rest of the reproductive tract. In addition to pain and swelling, the twisted cord causes blood loss to the testicles. If a person does not receive prompt treatment, the loss of oxygen and blood flow could lead to permanent testicular atrophy.

Varicocele refers to when the veins that run through the scrotum become enlarged. Varicocele typically occurs on the left side only. In many cases, a person may not realize they have varicocele, as it may not cause any symptoms.

However, they may notice that the left testicle appears smaller than usual. In rare cases, testicular cancer can cause testicular atrophy. According to the American Cancer Society , the average age for a diagnosis of testicular cancer is Often the most obvious symptom of testicular atrophy is the noticeable shrinkage of one or both testicles.

Those who have not yet gone through puberty may notice a:. They will also ask about any medications a person is taking. A doctor will also likely conduct a physical examination of the testicles, looking at the following qualities:. Finally, a doctor may order some additional tests to help determine what is causing the testicular atrophy. Possible tests include:. How a doctor treats testicular atrophy depends on its underlying cause.