What is the cause of testicular dysplasia in children?

The testicle is the most important organ in the male body. Because it is directly related to the reproductive health of men, we must pay attention to protecting our testicles in daily life. Of course, the development of the testicles begins when the baby is born, but they may still be underdeveloped and look particularly small in life. So, what is the cause of testicular dysplasia in children?

1. Congenital testicular dysplasia

It is mainly caused by sex chromosome abnormalities. A normal male has 46 chromosomes, represented by 46XY. Patients with microtestis have an extra sex chromosome, x. Congenital small testicles require a chromosome test at a specialist hospital for diagnosis. In cases of congenital testicular hypoplasia, the testicular volume is generally less than 6 ml in adulthood, and the intellectual development is slightly poor. Among congenital testicular dysplasia, there is a type called pituitary testicular dysplasia, in which the testicles are small, soft in texture, and the intelligence is slightly better.

2. Caused by acquired factors

For example, testicular damage caused by trauma, accidents or surgery; mumps with orchitis during adolescence; varicocele; long-term testicular X-ray exposure; tight underwear or too frequent hot baths; endocrine diseases and taking drugs that damage the testicles; long-term heavy smoking and drinking. Testicular nerve dysplasia caused by trauma will result in the testicles in adulthood being only the size of a peanut or a broad bean, with a very hard texture and a volume of only about 3-6 ml.

Symptoms of testicular dysplasia

1. Patients with testicular dysgenesis have no abnormalities in childhood, but often develop abnormalities during adolescence or adulthood. The patient is tall, with slender lower limbs, fine white skin, sparse pubic hair and beard, and often no armpit hair. It has a castrate-like body shape. About half of the patients have enlarged breasts on both sides. The external genitalia are often similar to those of normal men, but the penis is shorter than that of normal men, the testicles on both sides are significantly smaller, mostly less than 3 cm, hard in texture, sexual function is poor, and there are no sperm in the semen. Patients often seek treatment due to infertility or sexual dysfunction. Intellectual development is normal or slightly lower.

2. It is generally difficult to make a diagnosis before puberty, and infertility or sexual dysfunction are the main reasons for patients to seek medical treatment. Typical symptoms include a tall stature, small testicles, and enlarged breasts. X body is positive and the chromosome karyotype is 47, XXY, which can confirm the diagnosis.