March 19th, 2020
Anabolic steroids can significantly help in achieving bigger and well-defined muscles but there is a catch to it. While anabolic steroids may seem like a golden ticket to get perfect muscles, they, however, also adversely affect the testicles and cause testicular atrophy.
A study based on 500 subjects who used anabolic steroids, two-third of the subjects suffered from testicular atrophy. Fortunately, some natural approaches can undo the damage and help in restoring the testicles to their natural form.
AAS (androgenic anabolic steroids) are derived synthetically from the male sex hormone called testosterone. People who use these steroids, actually introduce a synthetic form of testosterone to the body. Hormone release works on the principle of negative feedback.
With the continuous use of steroids, the testes will stop producing testosterone and will become atrophic for not being used. Atrophic testicles cannot produce sufficient amounts of sperm and so this may lead to fertility-related problems.
Leydig cells are present in the testicles and are responsible for producing testosterone upon the detection of LH. Steroids are very harmful to Leydig cells and can eventually cause cell death.
The use of steroids is the most commonly known and talked about, but there are other causes of testicular atrophy that can happen for unintentional reasons including age-related, trauma and even natural instances for the testicles to become smaller. These can be treated and even reverse the damage done.
As men age, the testes can shrink. This is completely natural as the body produces less testosterone or sperm. While not every man may experience this, it is very common as men age.
If you have ever seen varicose veins, aka the spidery looking veins on arms or legs, this is very similar. This is the same thing, a vein that has too much blood, only it is near your testicle. These can occur naturally without any real rhyme or reason and can make the testicle look smaller.
Yes, alcohol has many health complications, including causing smaller testicles. Heavy drinking can damage many of your organs, affect your overall body chemistry and cause many lasting health effects. Among them, it causes lower testosterone levels and can damage the sensitive testicular tissues.
This is an infection of the testicular tissues. It can be caused by an STD like chlamydia or gonorrhea, the same virus that causes mumps, or even a UTI or catheter use. This infection can cause the testes to shrink if left untreated and can become a serious illness.
A twisting of the balls, it is as painful as it sounds. Inside your body, the testicle rotates and twists the spermatic cord that provides blood flow to the scrotum. It causes pain and swelling in the area. This is a medical emergency, and without rapid treatment, it can cause a permanent shrinkage and atrophy of the area.
Testicular cancer can cause the balls to shrink. In men, this is common cancer at a young age. While many see a lump or increase in size, others notice a shrink.
Besides the already mentioned use of steroids, having a natural imbalance of hormones can cause the testicles to shrink. It can be caused by taking a steroid, use of testosterone replacement therapy, or even some medications.
Diagnosing a shrinking or atrophy of the testicles should be performed by a medical professional. There are treatable and removable causes in addition to testing that can be done to reveal the cause.
There are natural and holistic treatments along with conventional medicine to help with testicular atrophy. You should always consult with a doctor to look for treatable causes before resorting to natural and herbal remedies.
In cases where there was steroid use or nonmedical causes, there are natural remedies that can be tried.
There are several causes for testicles to shrink or atrophy. Many are treatable if help is received and treatment begins immediately. For other nonemergent causes, there are lifestyle changes that can help to prevent further shrinking while also helping to naturally boost testosterone and increase testicle size.
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