
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Testicular atrophy
Introduction
Testicular atrophy is a medical condition in which the male reproductive organs (the testes, which in humans are located in the scrotum) diminish in size and may be accompanied by ceasing to function. This is not used to refer to temporary changes such as those brought on by cold. Some medications, including anabolic steroids, can cause testicular atrophy[1] which will reverse when the course of treatment ends, provided it is not too long (in excess of 20 weeks).
Some additional causes of testicular atrophy can include atherosclerosis, cryptorchidism, insufficient luteinizing hormone production most frequently seen in the hypothyroid state, and vascular injury during inguinal hernia surgery, drug side effects (Oxymetholone).
