However, they also inhibit the bodys own production of sperm and testosterone, which can lead to shrinkage of the testicles.Testicular atrophy is also a side effect of estrogen therapy. COVID-19
COVID-19 can lead to reduced testosterone production and testicular abnormalities due to changes in the secretion of gonadotropins, which are hormones involved in regulating testosterone production. These hormonal effects may be due to inflammation and oxidative stress caused by COVID-19. This might inform whether healthcare providers decide to monitor those who have survived COVID-19 for hormonal changes and potential fertility issues. Orchitis
Orchitis, or inflammation of the testicles due to a bacterial or viral infection, can lead to testicular atrophy. Mumps has historically been significantly associated with orchitis and testicular atrophy, but has become rare in countries that have high mumps vaccination rates. Varicoceles and testicular torsion
Varicoceles and testicular torsion are conditions in which direct damage to the testicles can potentially lead to testicular atrophy. Varicoceles are pooling of blood in the veins that deliver blood away from the testicles and are relatively common, occurring in approximately 15% of adolescent and adults with testicles. Currently, it is not clearly established how often varicoceles actually become a direct cause of issues related to fertility. Testicular torsion is the twisting of the testicle within the scrotum and can rapidly result in damage due to interruption in blood flow to the affected testicle. Unlike varicoceles, testicular torsion is considered a medical emergency. Other health conditions
There is a possible correlation of cystic fibrosis and its impact to bilateral testicular atrophy.
Treatment
Medication
Treatment with selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) alone or in addition to self-administered injections of hCG aim to correct hormonal imbalances caused by anabolic steroid use and can help prevent or reverse testicular atrophy for some people. Surgery
People who have testicular atrophy due to testicular torsion are immediately referred to surgery regardless of the ultrasound findings, since delays rapidly decrease the rate of recovery. The consequences of not treating will result in decreased fertility and may result in the need of an orchiectomy, a surgical procedure to remove one or both testicles. While immediate treatment can reduce the recovery time for the testes, there is still a chance of the testes to undergo atrophy a second time. Performance of an orchiectomy on individuals diagnosed with testicular atrophy has a possible negative impact on their testosterone levels in the long term. As a result, these individuals are typically monitored for the reoccurrence of testicular atrophy and low testosterone levels. Lifestyle modifications
In addition to drug therapies and surgical interventions to treat testicular atrophy, lifestyle modifications might also be recommended by healthcare providers. Most lifestyle modifications target factors that contribute to infertility in people with testes. Limiting or abstaining from alcohol intake, smoking, and drugs such as anabolic steroids, cannabis, or opioids can help with infertility. Additionally, diet modifications might be encouraged to reach a more balanced diet, such as a higher intake of fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and healthier oils, such as olive oil and canola oil.