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.
Women with rectovaginal fistulae are often stigmatized in developing countries, and become outcasts.Rectovaginal fistula can also be a symptom of various diseases, including infection by lymphogranuloma venereum, or the unintended result of surgery, such as episiotomy or sex reassignment surgery. They may present as a complication of vaginal surgery, including vaginal hysterectomy. They are a recognized presentation of rectal carcinoma or rarely diverticular disease of the bowel or Crohns disease. They are seen rarely after radiotherapy treatment for cervical cancer. Treatment
After diagnosing rectovaginal fistula, it is best to wait for around three months to allow the inflammation to subside. For low fistulae, a vaginal approach is best, while an abdominal repair would be necessary for a high fistula at the posterior fornix.A circular incision is made around the fistula and vagina is separated from the underlying rectum with a sharp circumferential dissection. The entire fistulous tract, along with a small rim of rectal mucosa is incised. The rectal wall is then closed extramucosally.Most rectovaginal fistulas will need surgery to fix. Medications such as antibiotics and Infliximab might be prescribed to help close the rectovaginal fistula or prepare for surgery. References
External links
Rectovaginal fistula at Curlie