Testicular failure

Last updated: Saturday, 15, January, 2011
CausesAppropriate Tests

Clinical assessment includes testicular site and size, evidence of androgen deficiency and of hypothalamic or pituitary disorder.

Semen analysis; FSH, LH, prolactin, testosterone; testicular biopsy is rarely appropriate.

See Table 7 Reference intervals for testosterone and related androgens (serum)
See also Infertility

Hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (hypothalamic/pituitary disorders)

Gonadotrophin releasing hormone deficiency (Kallmann syndrome)

Panhypopituitarism

See under Hypopituitarism

Prolactinoma

Haemochromatosis

Hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism (primary testicular disorders)

Chromosome abnormalities

Cytogenetics (non-oncology).

Cryptorchidism

Bilateral anorchia

Noonan syndrome

Vanishing testis syndrome

Acquired testicular failure

  • Trauma - thermal/physical
  • Varicocoele
Usually eugonadotrophic.
  • Cytotoxic drugs/irradiation
  • Viral orchitis

History of mumps, or other viral infection, associated with orchitis.

  • Myotonic dystrophy

See under Muscular dystrophy

  • Autoimmune
Sperm antibodies.