Contents:
- Medical Video: Medical Animation: Testicular Cancer
- Disorders and diseases that attack the testicles
- 1. Testicular trauma
- 2. Testicular cancer
- 3. Testicular torsion
- 4. Epididymitis
- 5. Varicocele
- 6. Hydrocele
- 7. Hypogonadism
Medical Video: Medical Animation: Testicular Cancer
Testicles (testicles) are part of the male reproductive system, which are two oval organs about the size of a large olive. They are inside the scrotum, a loose sac of skin that hangs behind the penis. Testicles function to make male hormones, including testosterone, and produce sperm and male reproductive cells. Disorders of the testicles can cause serious complications, including hormonal imbalances, erectile dysfunction, and infertility. To find out what are the disorders and diseases that attack the testicles, let's look at them below!
Disorders and diseases that attack the testicles
Some of the more common disorders and diseases affecting the testicles are as follows:
1. Testicular trauma
Because the testicles are in the scrotum that hangs outside the body, they have no protection for muscles and bones. This makes the testis easier to attack, hit, kick, or get hit with, especially if you exercise. Trauma in the testicles can cause severe pain, bruising, or swelling. In most cases, the testicles can absorb trauma from an injury without serious damage. A rare type of testicular trauma is a ruptured testicle, this can occur when the testicles receive a direct hit or squeeze on the hard surface of the pelvis. This injury causes blood to leak into the scrotum.
2. Testicular cancer
Just like other cancers, testicular cancer occurs when testicles undergo cell mutations that cause them to reproduce carelessly and attack areas that they should not enter. In testicular cancer, this process usually creates bumps that grow slowly or strain on one of the testicles. In most cases, people have realized it from the start, so if a man gets medical attention as early as possible, testicular cancer can almost always be cured.
3. Testicular torsion
In the scrotum, the testis is protected by a structure called the systemic cord. In this case the cord will spin and stop the blood supply to the testicles. Symptoms of testicular torsion include extraordinary and sudden pain, enlargement of the affected testicles, pain, and swelling. This disorder is most common in men aged 12-18 years due to injury to the testicles or strenuous activity, but this can sometimes also occur for no apparent reason.
4. Epididymitis
Epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis, a circular tube located behind each testicle. It functions in the transport, storage, and maturation of sperm cells produced in the testes. The epididymis connects the testes with vas deferens (channels that carry sperm). Epididymitis is often caused by infection or by chlamydial venereal disease. Epididymitis symptoms include pain and swelling in the scrotum. In severe cases, the infection can spread to other testes that are close together, and cause fever and abscesses (pus collection).
5. Varicocele
Varicocele is the spread and enlargement of veins on the testicles and is usually harmless. However, sometimes varicoceles can damage fertility or cause mild to moderate pain. If you have a bulge on top of your testicles, especially when you are standing or doing too long, then you should see your doctor.
6. Hydrocele
Hydrocele refers to the collection of fluid that surrounds the testicles and is usually benign. But if it gets bigger, this will cause pain or pressure. Although some men develop hydrocele after injury, some others have hydrocele without having a trauma or a clear cause.
7. Hypogonadism
One of the functions of the testicles is to expel the hormone testosterone. This hormone plays an important role in the development and maintenance of male physical characteristics. This includes muscle mass and strength, fat distribution, bone mass, sperm production, and sex drive.
Hypogonadism in men is a disorder that occurs when the testicles (gonads) do not produce enough testosterone. Primary hypogonadism occurs when there are problems or abnormalities in the testicles themselves. Secondary hypogonadism occurs when there is a problem with the pituitary gland in the brain, which sends a chemical message to the testicles to produce testosterone.
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