Testicular failure

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Endocrine glands

Male reproductive anatomy

Testicular failure is the inability of the testicles to produce sperm or male hormones.

Primary hypogonadism - male

Causes of testicular failure include chromosomal abnormalities, testicular torsion, direct trauma to the testicles, diseases that affect the testicle (such as mumps, orchitis [inflammation of the testes], and testicular cancer ), and a variety of drugs. The condition is uncommon.

Increased risk is linked to activities that may cause constant, low-level injury to the scrotum, such as riding a motorcycle. Frequent use of a drug known to affect testicular function, such as heavy marijuana  use or some prescription medications, also increases the risk of testicular failure. Men who had undescended testicles at birth are at higher risk.

Review Date: 08/01/2005
Reviewed By: Nikheel S. Kolatkar, MD, Clinical and Research Fellow, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.