preamble
The testicles play an essential role in the male reproductive system. They produce sperm and much of testosterone, one of the main androgen hormones.
They are however often less well known than the penis. Different size from side to side, cooler temperature, possibility of living with a single testicle: here is what you really need to know.
Testicles and brain: why are we comparing them sometimes?
Molecular biology studies have shown that the brain and testicles express many genes and proteins in common. These two organs have a significant cellular activity in particular and use sophisticated transport and communication mechanisms.
This does not mean that the testicles «think» or determine intelligence. Fun comparisons between brain and testicles greatly simplify much more complex biological observations.
Similarly, a statistical association between certain neurological disorders and fertility does not allow one to conclude that one organ directly controls the other.
Does the size of the testicles indicate sexual potency?
No. A larger testis does not automatically mean more desire, better erection, or better sexual performance.
In adults, the size varies naturally. The two testicles are not necessarily identical and one often hangs lower than the other.
Testosterone production depends on the functioning of the testicular tissue, not just the visible volume. A man with normal-sized testicles may have a low hormonal level, and the reverse is not deducted by simple inspection.
A recent change in volume is, however, greater than a difference that has always been present.
Why are the testicles cooler than the rest of the body?
Sperm production works better at a slightly lower temperature than the center of the body. This is one of the reasons the testicles are in the scrotum, outside the abdomen.
The scrotum adjusts their distance from the body thanks to muscles that contract in the cold and relax in the heat.
The fact that they look fresh to the touch is therefore normal in many situations.
Can we have normal sexual function with a single testicle?
Yes, often. If the remaining testicle is working normally, it can usually produce enough testosterone and sperm to maintain sexual function and sometimes fertility.
Losing a testicle as a result of trauma or illness does not automatically cause erectile dysfunction or feminization.
In contrast, a disease of the remaining testicular or the absence of both testicles can lead to hormonal deficit and affect fertility. A medical follow-up is then necessary.
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Should an undescended testicle be monitored?
Yes. A testicle that has not been descended into the scrotum during childhood requires a medical assessment, as the higher abdominal temperature can affect the fertility and risk of certain diseases.
In an adult who discovers that a testicle seems absent from the scrotum, it is necessary to consult rather than trying to determine its position alone.
How to perform a simple self-examination?
The goal is not to constantly seek a disease, but to know your usual anatomy in order to notice a change.
After a hot shower, the scrotum is generally more relaxed. Gently take each testicle between your fingers and thumb.
especially check
- a new hard mass; ;
- a recent increase or decrease in volume; ;
- unusual swelling; ;
- persistent pain; ;
- a net change of position.
At the back of the testicle is the epididymis, a flexible structure that can be taken for a bump by someone who does not know its anatomy.
Sudden pain: thinking about testicular torsion
Sudden and intense testicular pain, sometimes accompanied by nausea or a raised testicle, may correspond to a twist of the spermatic cord.
This is a medical emergency. You should not wait several hours to see if the pain disappears, because the treatment is more effective when it is done quickly.
Mild pain or susceptibility of the epididymis
Pain can have many causes: infection, inflammation, trauma, varicocele or other local problem.
Do not press the testicle tightly to «test» the pain. If a new sensitivity persists, if the scrotum swells or you have a fever, check out.
Cysts and masses
A small mass near the epididymis may correspond to a benign cyst, but it is impossible to make this diagnosis reliably only to the touch.
Any new mass in the testicle deserves a medical examination, usually supplemented by an ultrasound if necessary.
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conclusion
The testicles produce sperm and hormones, but their size does not measure «sexual power». A slight asymmetry is common and living with a single testicle can be compatible with normal sexual function.
What mostly deserves your attention is the change: new mass, pain, swelling or rapid volume change. Sudden and intense pain is an emergency. Knowing the usual appearance of your testicles simply allows you to spot what is out of the ordinary earlier.
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