Testicular failure occurs when the testicles cannot produce sperm or male hormones, such as testosterone.

Primary hypogonadism - male

Testicular failure is uncommon. Causes include:

• Certain medicines, including glucocorticoids, ketoconazole, chemotherapy, and opioid pain medicines
• Diseases that affect the testicle, including hemochromatosis, mumps, orchitis, testicular cancer, testicular torsion, and varicocele
• Injury or trauma to the testicles
• Obesity
• Genetic diseases, such as Klinefelter syndrome or Prader-Willi syndrome
• Other diseases, such as cystic fibrosis

The following can increase the risk of testicular failure:

• Activities that cause constant, low-level injury to the scrotum, such as riding a motorcycle or bicycle
• Frequent and heavy use of marijuana
• Undescended testicles at birth

Symptoms depend on the age when testicular failure develops, either before or after puberty.

Symptoms may include:

• Decrease in height
• Enlarged breasts (gynecomastia)
• Infertility
• Loss of muscle mass
• Lack of sex drive (libido)
• Loss of armpit and pubic hair
• Slow development or lack of secondary male sex characteristics (hair growth, scrotum enlargement, penis enlargement, voice changes)

Men may also notice they do not need to shave as often.

Male hormone supplements may treat some forms of testicular failure. This treatment is called testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). TRT can be given as a gel, patch, injection, or implant.

Avoiding the medicine or activity that is causing the problem may bring testicle function back to normal.

Many forms of testicular failure cannot be reversed. TRT can help reverse symptoms, although it may not restore fertility.

Men who are having chemotherapy that can cause testicular failure should discuss freezing sperm samples before starting treatment.

Testicular failure that begins before puberty will stop normal body growth. It can prevent adult male characteristics (such as deep voice and beard) from developing. This can be treated with TRT.

Men who are on TRT need to be carefully monitored by a doctor. TRT may cause the following:

• Enlarged prostate, leading to difficulty urinating
• Blood clots
• Changes in sleep and mood
• Changes in good cholesterol (HDL)
• Blood becomes too thick (polycythemia)

Contact your provider for an appointment if you have symptoms of testicular failure.

Also, contact your provider if you're on TRT and you think you're having side effects from the treatment.

Avoid higher-risk activities if possible.

Remain active and prevent weight gain as you get older.

Published Date: May 13, 2021
Published By: Brent Wisse, MD, Board Certified in Metabolism/Endocrinology, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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Morgentaler A, Zitzmann M, Traish AM, et al. Fundamental concepts regarding testosterone deficiency and treatment: international expert consensus resolutions. Mayo Clin Proc. 2016;91(7):881-896. PMID: 27313122 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27313122/.

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US Food and Drug Administration website. FDA drug safety communication: FDA cautions about using testosterone products for low testosterone due to aging; requires labeling change to inform of possible increased risk of heart attack and stroke with use. www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-cautions-about-using-testosterone-products-low-testosterone-due. Updated February 26, 2018. Accessed July 1, 2021.