What's Causing Your Testicles to Get Soft?
The male testicles, located in the scrotum, are essential reproductive glands tasked with producing sperm and regulating hormones. The scrotum also plays a pivotal role in maintaining the optimal temperature for testicular function by contracting in colder conditions and relaxing when it's warm. Thus, causing fluctuations in the perceived size and firmness of the testicles.
What Happens When Testicles Become Soft?
Under normal conditions, male testicles are resilient and somewhat flexible to the touch. However, if you notice your testicles becoming unusually soft, one potential cause could be testicular atrophy. This condition is characterized by a reduction in the size and firmness of the testicles and might be indicative of underlying health issues.
Testicular atrophy is mainly characterized by smaller size and softer texture of the testicles. It may also present with symptoms such as decreased androgen levels, decreased sperm count, and abnormal sexual function. It may be caused by physiological and pathological factors, such as after entering old age, the function of organs will all decrease, and organs will have certain atrophy phenomena; testicles are no exception. It may be caused by a series of diseases in the body, such as endocrine disorders, inflammation, cysts, or tumors in the testicles themselves.
Other Causes for Soft Testicles
Apart from testicular atrophy, several conditions can cause the testicles to become soft. These include:
1. Varicocele: Severe varicocele can cause the veins within the scrotum to enlarge, increasing the temperature around the testicles and leading to a softer texture. This condition affects approximately 15% of adult males and may require medical intervention.
2. Inflammation (Orchitis): Viral and bacterial infections, such as mumps, can lead to orchitis, resulting in softened and tender testicles. Orchitis accounts for nearly 20% of mumps complications in postpubescent males.
3. Trauma: Impact injuries to the scrotum or testicles, resulting in scrotal hematoma or testicular laceration, etc. Even if the trauma heals, the testicles will remain in a state of insufficient blood supply for a long time. Even if the trauma is healed, the testicles will be in a state of inadequate blood supply for a long time and become soft.
4. Exposure to Radioactive Substances: Anyone exposed to radioactive substances for a longer period, such as those who have been engaged in X-rays and isotopes for a long time, will cause the testicles to become soft if they are not well protected.
5. Endocrine Disorders: many organs in the body that command the endocrine system, such as the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, thalamus, and other diseases, will interfere with the function of the testicles, causing the testicles to become soft.
6. Special Drugs: Long-term use of certain toxic drugs, such as arsenic, or repeated use of estrogenic androgen-fighting medicines, such as astragalol, can cause testicular tenderness.
Additionally, environmental factors such as extreme temperatures, frequent physical manipulation, or poor sexual habits like excessive masturbation can also result in softened testicles. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle and practicing good hygiene can help mitigate these risks.
Treatment Options for Testicular Softness
If testicular softness is due to orchitis, prompt medical treatment is crucial. For acute testicular inflammation, systemic anti-infective treatments, including antibiotics such as cephalosporins and intravenous penicillin, are often highly effective.
For chronic orchitis with recurring episodes, traditional Chinese medicine like Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill may help reduce inflammation and enhance the genitourinary environment. Alongside medication, patients should prioritize ample bed rest, employ localized hot compresses, and elevate the scrotum to speed up recovery.
If the softening of the testicle is caused by varicocele as well as trauma, then timely surgical treatment may be needed. For endocrine disorders, masturbation, and other factors, patients should adjust their work and lifestyle in time and try to maintain healthy habits.
If testicular tenderness is detected at an early stage and treated as soon as possible, it is possible to improve the condition through treatments such as medication or surgery. Therefore, if men find a testicular abnormality, they should not be ashamed to seek medical treatment so as not to delay the treatment of the condition. Early treatment is the only way to restore health as soon as possible.
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