Side Effect: Shrinking of Testicles

What is Shrinking of Testicles?

Shrinking of the testicles, also known as testicular atrophy, is a condition where the testicles become smaller in size than their normal size. Testicular atrophy can occur as a result of different conditions, including cancer and cancer treatments. Other causes include aging, hormonal imbalances, infections, and trauma. Testicular atrophy can also lead to reduced testosterone production and fertility difficulty.

What does Shrinking of Testicles look like?

In general, the affected testicle may appear smaller, softer, and hang lower than the unaffected one. The testicle may feel lumpy or uneven.

Who gets Shrinking of Testicles?

In patients with cancer, the risk of testicular atrophy depends on the type of cancer and treatment received. For example, testicular cancer, which comes from the testicles, can lead to testicular atrophy due to surgical removal of the affected testicle. Radiation and cancer treatments, which are commonly used to treat various types of cancer, can also damage the testicles and cause atrophy. The risk is higher in men who received high-doses of chemotherapy or radiation to the pelvis area.

How to prevent Shrinking of Testicles

Preventing testicular atrophy in patients with cancer can be challenging. Certain medications may help decrease the risk in men undergoing cancer treatment. Some prevention strategies are:

• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) agonists: goserelin (Zoladex®), leuprolide (Lupron®)
• Sperm banking before treatment
• Use of protective devices during radiation

How to treat Shrinking of Testicles

Testicular atrophy treatment in patients with cancer may be presented in different ways. Examples of treatment options include:

• Testosterone replacement therapy – available in multiple forms
  
  • Intramuscular injections: most common form, injected into the muscle
  • Gel: applied topically to the skin
  • Patches: applied topically to the skin
  • Pellets: implanted underneath the skin (typically in abdomen or buttocks)
  • Oral tablets: less common due to the risk of liver toxicity
• Surgery: testicular prostheses (surgical implantation of testicles to replace one or both testicles that may be missing or have been removed due to cancer/injury)