Safeguarding reproductive health and fertility is crucial, especially for people who are planning for a baby in the future. There are numerous factors that affect fertility in men, among which testicular torsion is one of the serious issues that affects 1 in 4000 men, especially young adolescents. It is an emergency condition that needs to be addressed earliest and here is everything you need to know about the condition.
Does testicular torsion cause infertility?
Testicular torsion is a rare emergency where the testicle twists and loses its blood supply. It is a serious and painful condition that needs emergency care. If the blood supply to the testicles doesn’t return quickly within the next six hours, or else could lead to surgical removal of a testicle. Although one testicle can produce sperm, there is a high chance of infertility.
Symptoms
- Painful swelling in the testicles (one side of the scrotum).
- Visible cluster on a testicle.
- One testicle is higher in the scrotum than the other.
- Change in color in the scrotum.
- Nausea & Vomiting.
- Excessive abdominal pain.
- Fever.
- Frequent urination.
Causes
- Bell Clapper’s deformity could be a reason, where testicles in the scrotum can swing freely.
- Injuries in the testicle or scrotum could lead to twisted testicles.
- Although the risk of doing physical activities has less chance of causing testicular torsion, it may happen in rare cases.
The relationship between testicular torsion & male fertility
Impact on sperm production
Testicular torsion cuts the blood supply to the testicles and when left untreated immediately could lead to surgical removal of the affected testicles from the scrotum. The removal of the testicles could affect sperm count, motility, and morphology. It also reduces the testosterone levels, which affect the production of sperm.
Degree of damage based on treatment timing
Testicular torsion is a medical emergency condition that needs urgent diagnosis and treatment. However, if left untreated it could lead to severe complications such as:
- If the damaged testicle is not removed from the scrotum, it could lead to gangrene (a life-threatening infection), which could spread throughout your body rapidly.
- The untreated testicles could lead to low sperm count and result in infertility.
- The loss of one testicle could lead to cosmetic deformity, which causes emotional instability.
- This could lead to testicular atrophy, which shrinks the testicle size, making the testicle unable to produce sperm.
Long-term effects of testicular torsion
Fertility outcomes post-treatment
Testicular torsion should be treated at an early stage within the first six hours, which could surgically restore fertility to the fullest. However, if the treatment is delayed for 12 to 24 hours, the chances of restoring fertility are reduced to 50%. More than that could lead to the removal testils and has only a 10% chance of restoring fertility.
Testicular Atrophy and its consequences
Testicular atrophy is a condition where the testicles shrink in size, limiting the production of testosterone and sperm quality and quantity. This could result in reduced sex drive, reduced muscle growth, hair falls, infertility, and softer testicles
Prevention & risk management
Diagnosis
If you have any symptoms of twisted testicles, consult a fertility doctor immediately for a diagnosis and treatment. Only a healthcare provider or a urologist could analyze the condition by urine tests, physical exams, and imaging of the scrotum.
Treatment
After examining the problems, a surgical repair or orchidopexy is performed to treat the twisted testicles within the first six hours using a tiny suture to untwist the cord. In rare cases, doctors can untwist the spermatic cord by hand to restore the blood flow to the testicles.
If the blood flow is cut off in the testicles after six hours due to delay, the testicular tissue could die and the affected one will be removed.
Post-surgery recovery
The orchidopexy surgery might cause minor discomfort after surgery and the doctor could suggest a pain relief ointment and ice pack for 10 to 20 times a day to reduce swelling. It will take from two to four weeks to complete recovery from the swelling in the scrotum. During the recovery time, keeping the area clean with warm or soapy water is essential. The doctor could advise no physical activities and sexual intercourse during the time, to avoid straining.
Conclusion
In summary, testicular torsion has serious impacts on fertility and generally happens between the ages of 18 to 25. Although this is a serious condition, timely diagnosis and treatment could untwist the cord to reinstate the blood supply and restore fertility. Treating it too early is the key and is the only way to safeguard your reproductive health to the fullest.
FAQs
Testicular torsion may not lead to complete infertility, but untreated and delayed medical attention can lead to infertility.
If the condition is too early, seek medical attention immediately for surgery to treat the twisted testicles, which could completely recover the affected one. However, if it is delayed, removing the affected testicle could reduce the impact from affecting the other one and other associated risks.
If the surgery fixed the testicle in position, there is no need for fertility treatment. If a testicle is removed, the other testicle can produce enough sperm to form a baby. However, if it affects the production of sperm, then fertility treatment is required.
