Small Testicles: Causes And Side Effects - Medical News Today

Maybe your like

Medical News TodaySubscribeWhat to know about small testicles

Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. — Written by Zawn Villines — Updated on January 18, 2024

Low testosterone
Varicocele
Congenital disorders
Testicular atrophy
Infertility
Cancer
Side effects
Seeing a doctor
Outlook

Testicle sizes vary widely. Smaller testicles are not usually a problem. However, small testicles can sometimes indicate a health condition.

As well as length, health professionals sometimes measure testicles by volume, which averages about 20 cubic centimeters (cm³).

Many factors affect the size of a person’s testicles. It is also common for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other and for one testicle to hang lower. This is why doctors use different ways to measure a person’s testicles.

People with testicles much smaller than this may worry. However, if there are no accompanying symptoms, there is rarely a problem.

Rather than comparing their testicle size with that of other people, an individual should look at whether their testicles have changed over time. Testicles that are suddenly much smaller or larger than usual may signal a problem.

In this article, we examine the potential causes of small testicles and the treatment options. We also explain when a person with small testicles should get advice from a doctor.

Low testosterone

a young man looking pensive as he thinks about his Small testicles — Low testosterone is one possible cause of small testicles.

A 2017 study found that testicular volume, alongside body mass index (BMI), could be a predictor of testosterone levels. On average, the participants with lower testosterone had smaller testicles.

Many people with low testosterone levels have normal sized testicles, so it is important to look at all symptoms and not just testicle size.

Some symptoms of low testosterone include:

a low sex drive
difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection
fatigue
mood changes and irritability
depression
a loss of muscle mass

Varicocele

A varicocele is an enlarged swelling of the veins within the scrotum. While some people may notice pain or swelling, others may have no symptoms at all.

Some people with varicoceles have problems with fertility. About 40% of males with infertility have varicoceles, although there are also males with varicoceles who do not have infertility.

Some individuals with a varicocele may notice that their testicles shrink or that one testicle is suddenly smaller than the other. They may also experience an aching pain deep in the scrotum.

Surgery can treat most varicoceles. In many cases, the testicles return to their usual size after surgery.

Congenital disorders

A congenital disorder is a condition that is present at birth. Some rare congenital disorders cause very small testicles.

One such disorder is Klinefelter syndrome. Klinefelter syndrome causes a male to have two or more X chromosomes instead of only one.

People with Klinefelter syndrome tend to be taller than average and have small testicles that produce little testosterone. Most people with Klinefelter syndrome are infertile.

Klinefelter syndrome can also affect brain and motor development. Children with this condition may have poor coordination or find behavioral skills challenging to learn.

During puberty, some boys with the condition develop breasts. Some people with Klinefelter syndrome get a diagnosis early in childhood, but others may be unaware that they have the condition.

Testicular atrophy

Testicular atrophy is when the testicles shrink. Several conditions can cause testicular atrophy.

One well-known cause of testicular atrophy is surgery to repair an inguinal hernia. This complication is rare, affecting only about 0.5% of males who undergo primary inguinal hernia repair.

Individuals who have repeated inguinal hernia repairs have a higher risk of testicular atrophy, with about 5% developing this complication.

Some other causes of testicular atrophy include:

aging
sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as syphilis and HIV
other infections, such as mumps
alcohol-induced cirrhosis

Infertility

Little research has directly tested the link between testicle size and infertility. A 1989 study noted that out of the 1,029 infertile men in the study, 704 had normal sized testicles. The other men had differing degrees of reduction in the testicular volume of one or both testicles.

The count and movement of sperm reduced with testicle size. Men with lower testicular volume often had lower sperm production.

As most infertile men in this research study had normal sized testicles, the study did not establish a clear correlation between testicle size and fertility in those with normal sized testicles.

Men with fertility concerns should ask a doctor about testing to assess sperm quality. A doctor may also recommend blood tests to measure hormone levels.

Cancer

A reduction in testicle size after testicular torsion may be a risk factor for testicular cancer. Anyone who notices that their testicles are suddenly smaller should see a doctor.

It can be difficult to distinguish the symptoms of testicular cancer from those of other types of cancer.

Some symptoms of testicular cancer include:

a lump on the testicles
an enlargement of the testicles
having fluid in the scrotum
enlarging breasts
a feeling of heaviness in the testicles or scrotum
a dull ache in the back or abdomen
experiencing shortness of breath

Some risk factors for testicular cancer include:

An undescended testicle (cryptorchidism). People with cryptorchidism are more likely to develop testicular cancer than those with descended testicles.
Family history. While most people with testicular cancer do not have a family history of the disease, having a first-degree relative with testicular cancer increases a person’s risk.
HIV. People with HIV, particularly those with stage 3 HIV, have a higher chance of developing testicular cancer.
Previous testicular cancer. About 3–4% of those who have received a diagnosis of cancer in one testicle will develop cancer in the other testicle.
Race and ethnicity. White males are 4 to 5 times more likely to develop testicular cancer than black and Asian American males.
Age. Although testicular cancer can affect males of any age, close to 50% of testicular cancers occur in those between the ages of 20 and 34 years.

Side effects

When the testicles are smaller than average, but there is no underlying medical condition, there are typically no side effects.

Medical conditions that cause small testicles can also produce other signs and symptoms. For example, a varicocele can cause pain and swelling in the scrotum.

Testicular atrophy can affect sexual and reproductive health in several ways. People may experience:

pain in the testicles
decreased fertility
low libido
sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction

When to see a doctor

If a person is concerned about the size of their testicles and the accompanying symptoms, they should see a doctor. A doctor can assess whether or not there is a serious underlying problem.

Anyone anxious or self-conscious about the size of their testicles should talk to a healthcare professional at their next appointment.

It is important to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional if:

pain, shrinking, or swelling occurs in one or both testicles
a partner does not become pregnant after a year or more of trying
a lump appears in the scrotum
unusual breast growth occurs
there are symptoms of low testosterone, such as erectile problems or low energy
other accompanying symptoms arise, such as lower back pain, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, a cough, confusion, or headaches

Outlook

Having small testicles does not necessarily mean that a person has a health issue.

However, a sudden change in the size or shape of the testicles could indicate a problem.

Even serious issues, such as testicular cancer, may be easier to treat if a doctor diagnoses them early. Therefore, people should never delay seeking treatment.

Men's Health
Sexual Health / STDs

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Atrophy of the testicles. (n.d.).https://fertilitypedia.org/edu/symptoms/atrophy-of-the-testicles
Bujan, L., et al. (1989). Testicular size in infertile men: Relationship to semen characteristics and hormonal blood levels [Abstract].https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1464-410X.1989.tb05325.x
Davis, S. M., et al. (2015). Testis development and reproductive options in men with Klinefelter syndrome.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4648691/
Kupis, L., et al. (2015). Varicocele as a source of male infertility — current treatment techniques.http://ceju.online/journal/2015/varicocele-varicocelectomy-infertile-pregnancy-rate-642.php
Risk factors for testicular cancer. (2018).https://www.cancer.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
Ruiz-Olvera, S. F., et al. (2017). Association of serum testosterone levels and testicular volume in adult patients [Abstract].https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/and.12933
Salemis, N. S., & Nisotakis, K. (2011). Testicular atrophy secondary to a large long standing incarcerated inguinal hernia.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3981378/
Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer. (2018).https://www.cancer.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html
Testicular anatomy. (n.d.).https://maleinfertility.org/understanding-male-infertility/anatomy-physiology-male-reproduction/testicular-anatomy
Testicular cancer 101. (n.d.).https://www.testicularcancersociety.org/tc_101.html
What is low testosterone? (n.d.).https://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/low-testosterone

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. — Written by Zawn Villines — Updated on January 18, 2024

Latest news

Common anti-seizure drug may help prevent Alzheimer’s plaques
Menstrual blood test emerges as promising option for HPV screening
Time-restricted eating may reduce Crohn’s symptoms, inflammation by half
Can statins really cause memory loss and weight gain? New evidence says 'no'
1 to 3 cups of caffeinated tea or coffee a day may help reduce dementia risk

Related Coverage

Signs and symptoms of infertilityMedically reviewed by Holly Ernst, P.A.
In this article, learn about possible signs of infertility in men and women, as well as about other risk factors, the treatment options, and when to…
READ MORE
What is a varicocele and should I worry about it?Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN
When valves that move blood through the testicles malfunction, veins in the scrotum can become enlarged. These expanded veins are called varicoceles…
READ MORE
What to know about testicular cancerMedically reviewed by Yamini Ranchod, Ph.D., M.S.
Testicular cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer that affects the testicles. Effective treatment is available, especially in the early stages…
READ MORE
Xiaflex and costMedically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD
Xiaflex is used to treat certain tissue disorders. Find out about cost, financial and insurance assistance, and more.
READ MORE
Why do so many men skip regular health checkups?
According to a new national survey addressing men, the majority of respondents said that they consider themselves to be healthier than most other men.
READ MORE

Tag » Why Are My Balls Tight

Small Testicles: Causes And Side Effects - Medical News Today

Health Conditions

Health Products

News

Original Series

Podcasts

General Health

Health Tools

Quizzes

About Medical News Today

Find Community

Follow Us

Low testosterone

Varicocele

Congenital disorders

Testicular atrophy

Infertility

Cancer

Side effects

When to see a doctor

Outlook

How we reviewed this article:

Latest news

Related Coverage

Why Does My Testicles Sometimes Hang Low And Sometimes Are Tight?

Why Is My Sack Always Tight? - Public Health

Loose Or Tight Scrotum: Understanding Why Your 'Balls Are Loose ...

Why Is My Sack Always Tight? - Speed Test Demon

Saggy Testicles: Is It Normal? Plus Surgery, Exercises, Other ...

Why Are My Testicles Cold And What's The Best Way To Warm Them Up?

Retractile Testicle: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, And Treatment

"Help - Scrotum Too Tight And Testicles Don't Hang Anymore": Urology

Sore And Aching Testicles? Reasons Your Balls Hurt - Men's Health

What Should My Testicles Look And Feel Like? - NHS

Sore Testicles & Discomfort | Varicocele - Azura Vascular Care

Sagging Testicles: Causes, Treatments, And When To See A Doctor

Testicle - Wikipedia

Testicular Torsion (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth

Contact