Sudden testicle shrinkage. No libido, fatigue. Varicocele?

Jobu777

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Erectile dysfunction from minoxidil? It actually can work like Viagra and Cialis through the nitric oxide channel. I do not think it is the cause of your problem.
 

Rogainestudy

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Go tell that to the hundreds of people on that link..... then do some research on it
 

kelcy

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Hi fweed,
The pain is mild at first and change to aching. The doctor said the testicles looked alright. I think they're Ok.
Anyway, I've some morning erection but they're just weaker than before.
I also found that if the penis is pointing upwards, there’s some mild pain in the middle to root of penis. I can't get erection by just thinking. I'm feel better in the morning but as the day proceed, the penis shrink, turn cold, and soft.
 

Prikkel

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cool, my libido is definitely on the up... feels like i'm almost having spontaneous erections again... haven't really noticed enlarging of testicles back to former size yet, but everything else is somehow improving after about year and half of misery... even had sexual dreams recently... also hasn't happened in ages, not sure what was causing my problem, so not sure if the reduced sugar + carbs + regularly ingesting raw garlic or something else had anything to do with the sudden improvement... i'll wait a month & see how things go & add an update... i've been terribly depressed past year and half as well cause thought my sex days were over & i'm only 39... feeling so much better now... oh & btw my left nipple and testicle were sensitive at the start of it all, some pain, lost muscle mass, pretty sure my testosterone levels were very low, but i live in a country with crappy public hospitals & didn't have bucks for private doctor, so whatever caused it will remain a mystery... my muscles also feel better & my sweat is also starting to smell more manly like it used to...
 

fweed

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Prikkel, maybe you could find somewhere to have blood hormone tests done privately, they are usually not very expensive. See if it is within your budget. Testosterone alone would be a good indicator to start with.
The nipple sensitivity can be a sign of raised prolactin, which is sometimes due to high levels of prolonged stress. Prolactin can reduce testosterone levels and kill libido as well as making you feel tired. It is great to hear you are beginning to feel more yourself again. Maybe I will try raw garlic, how much do you eat per day? I also haven't had sexual dreams since this started.
I don't know what would have made your testicle sensitive, was it injured at the time, or just spontaneous?
 

fweed

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kelcy, a reason why you may feel better in the morning is because that is when testosterone levels are highest, after a good sleep.
The penis being smaller and cold might be a lack of nitric oxide being produced, maybe also low DHT I have read. Make sure you tell the doctor/urologist about where the pains have been and at what times.
 

moviegoer

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Hi all,

35 year old male here. I'm so glad I found this post. My experience has been very similar to fweed, probably the big exception being no nipple sensitivity. Long story short: extreme ED, shrunken testicles, intermittent pain and soreness on bottom of right testicle. Here's my story:

1.Nov 2016 - Pulled my groin a little over a year ago doing some ill advised power yoga. No immediate problems

2. Feb 2017 - Soreness in right testicle for about a week. Chalked it up to tight pants, stopped wearing them, went away

3. March 2017 to August 2017 - Sex drive declined maybe 20% overall, with some hills and valleys

3. Sept 2017 - Chlamydia infection, Epididymitis- round of antibiotics cleared it up in a couple of weeks. Begin of libido decline, but mild decline, maybe psychological. Got infection because I wasn't wearing condom because I had trouble maintaining erection long enough between putting one on and putting it inside.

4. Nov 2017 - Sudden symptoms like fweed::

A. right testicle shrinkage overnight. Right one has always been bigger, hung lower, now is smaller and hangs very high.

B. Both testicles are now very loose in the sack, lots of extra skin

C. Random soreness at bottom of right testicle, but feels very different from Epididymitis. No burning and one enlarged cord rather than all of the coils being enlarged as in Epididymitis.

D. Can always count on soreness in right testicle after masturbating, whether I finish or not.

E. Erections don't last, can't get them from thoughts, only stays erect while being stimulated. Erection is not nearly as big or hard as it used to be.

F. Erection if any is is at a 45 degree angle to the left, as if the right testicle isn't doing its job to buoy the shaft in its direction and the left testicle is doing all the work.

G. Varicose like veins on top of shaft, especially pronounced when erect.

H. Extreme impotence, not just in the member itself but no desire, no erection when I know I should be turned on, shaft mostly shrunk as far as it can go.

I. Shaft is limp and cold the majority of the time.

J. I don't get that feeling of the balls refilling.

K. Morning wood twice a week and seems to be related to needing to urinate. Once I urinate, erection is gone.

L. Sudden difficulty falling asleep and bad sleep when I do. I've never had sleep problems.

M. Depression most days and what I'd describe as a cloudy head with no clarity or but every so often I'm not depressed at all. It's like the weather in a place like Seattle (metaphor only, I live in the Southern United States): usually foggy and grey, but occasionally unpredictably sunny. I just don't feel at all like myself. Feel like my sex days are over.'

N. If I do masturbate, takes a week or two before I can stimulate again, whereas before that would be half a day to a day.

O. Diminishing amount of semen. Each time it seems less and less.

P. Loss of appetite, don't get hungry so much as weak.

Q. Sometimes extreme thirst, like I can't put enough water in my body.

R. Sometimes overactive bladder, like I have to go often but it's only a little bit. This has diminished within last month as I've become more active.


What the doctor said:

First visit - it's all in my head
Second visit - probably relapse of bacterial infection - turned out to be wrong, STD tests were all negative and I hadn't had intercourse since initial infection which was cured. Put me on antibiotics anyway, no affect. Asked for an ultrasound of the testicles, didn't think it was necessary. All labs "within normal range" except slightly low B12, so I got a shot for that and am taking supplements.



Things to note:

- once after jumping rope things briefly seemed to return to normal. Also took some black cumin oil at the same time. Neither seems to help lately.

- sitting for long periods seems to exacerbate pain/soreness. Standing and walking seems to temporarily alleviate pain/soreness.

- very physically active, though mostly walking. Not a lot of cardio or strength training.

- very good diet: lots of seeds, nuts, oily fish, eggs, greens, olives

- fairly tight pants and lots of bicycle riding. Will be quitting the tight pants tomorrow.

- boxer briefs. May switch to loose boxers.

Plan to see different Urologist this time. Feel like Varicocele is a strong possibility, or intermittent torsion.
 
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fweed

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hi moviegoer, well a lot of your post sounds too familiar. You also seem like you are quite aware of your symptoms and have read a decent amount on it too.
I wonder if you have a partial torsion, or intermittent as you said. I have wondered the same about myself. I too had the painful point on the bottom of my left testicle for a year or so.
I don't have the 45 degree angle, although the balance did change slightly, I think from the weight distribution of the testicle as you said. Does the penis feel different on that side, is it the body that has curved, or the penis just tilted that way. If so it might be some fibrosis/internal scarring, but it doesn't sound like to. Mention all these things to your new urologist, write a list and hand it to him with the order of events dated like that, it will save time. I did the same thing.
I've heard of others having more pronounced veins on the shaft, but mine became slightly less so.
I reckon you should ask to have your thyroid tested, and another hormonal test overall for the new urologist. Consider having a semen analysis for fertility too, it helps with diagnosis.
Ecography of the scrotum for sure.
It could be a varicocele, tight trousers have been shown to cause atrophy sometimes, but this sounds sudden.
Discontinue cycling for a while, a couple of months perhaps, as that had been known to be a cause of some forms of disfunction, particularly if it is long distance. You can also try a wide saddle to ease the pressure.
For sleep, B vitamins like you already have, someone said are good. Magnesium and zinc might help too, during the day.
Winter can affect it, try to have as much sunlight as possible, open your blinds early in the morning so you see the light from the early sun, it has been shown to raise mood during winter. It's your eyes that register it, and having more sunlight during the morning and lunchtime is the best, so you keep your rhythm.
I've had the thirst and my hunger doesn't work as it used to. I more or less have to tell myself to eeat because hunger doesn't often come.
When is your urologist appointment? Keep trying new ones until you find one who is interested in helping you to resolve your problems. Don't be put off by the unhelpful ones.
Do some strength training to build muscle mass, it increases testosterone. Endurance training like running long distance tends to increase cortisol, which supposedly has a negative effect on testosterone. You don't need to stop, just change the balance a bit and see if things improve at all.
If it was sudden, it might have been a sudden varicocele, caused by what they call the "nutcracker effect", the veins from your scrotum to your kidney having an overpressure which relieved the pressure by dilating the veins in your scrotum and just above.
There's apparently a kind of xray test for blood backflow to se that.
Keep posting back whenever you have information or questions. Someone must have an answer for this problem we have.

Also, ask your urologist to test for hypogonadism, and to check whether any of your hormone levels are high/low even if they are within the 'normal' range. Ask what the optimal levels should be. The balance of hormones is important, not just the individual levels.
 

moviegoer

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Penis doesn't feel different on the "bad" side and it's not a new curvature, just the shaft is now tilted. I think like you're saying, it's probably because of the size/weight shift of the "bad" testicle.

My urology appt is Monday. Went to Urgent Care to try that route today. I do have a UTI, but I think it's a red herring, probably from a dehydrating 24 hr stomach bug I got from travelling. If all it was was a months long UTI, it should have been knocked out by the bactrim that I received in December, since that's what they're prescribing me now. I'll push for the ultrasound and the tests you recommend.

I asked about torsion and the NP at the urgent care said that if I had torsion, even intermittent, I would have "jumped off the table" in pain when she did her examination. My pain is usually a 3 or 4 out of ten. The UTI I think is putting pressure on the testicle so now it's probably a 5, but it never gets higher than that. Seems to be the consensus that torsion pain is intolerable with the healthcare professionals I've talked to.

Also, sent my timeline to a doctor at justanswer.com and here's what he said:


The two possibilities to consider in your case could be a depressive illness leading to all of your symptoms

Secondly i would do an ultrasound to rule out a hydrocele or varicocele

This can give rise to a disparity in the size of the testicles

Symptomatically you can benefit by using sildenafil to help with the sexual activity



When I asked him this: What about angle change of penis? Can that be caused by hydrocele or varicocele?

This was his response:

Yes due to swelling it can occur



His responses were obviously about as helpful as a wikipedia page, but it was worth the $30 gamble. I don't have swelling but shrinkage. I find that a lot of healthcare professionals zero in on the symptom or two they know how to "fix" (impotence, pain) rather than taking all of the symptoms together as a single narrative. They also tend to add symptoms that you don't report (the justask doctor says swelling, but I have no swelling).

I really appreciate your response fweed. Sometimes I don't give the internet community enough credit. I think you've got a lot of good advice on here. Hopefully, we'll figure this out!
 

fweed

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There is something called a silent torsion, which is painless, but it is quite rare. They found a small hernia on me, which can restrict blood flow to the testicle. Ultrasound should also show that if it is present. I read a medical study of possible amelioration of penile function based on a long term continous low dose of sildenafil, the results were good, but it is still in the research state. Short term, as long as you don't have side effects, it is good to keep the blood flowing regularly. Doctors can only go off their own experience and training, and usually aim for the most common problems rather than investigate. They have limited time and a lot of cases.
One thing to remind them is to focus on the testicular shrinkage, I think it is one of the key parts. Depression can't cause sudden testicular shrinkage. It can cause ED over long term, but as far as I know, it doesn't affect morning wood, which runs on a different process. From what I've read, morning/nighttime automatic erections being unaffected are a sign it is possibly psychological. Otherwise, it is physical.
 

moviegoer

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Ok, after testosterone test and ultrasound they found nothing abnormal in testicular ultrasounds (they did not ultrasound the shaft). They said blood flow was normal and no indications of varicocele or hydrocele, no tumors.

Right is still slightly larger than left and falls within normal range size-wise, though the right was significantly larger before. Perhaps they both are smaller, but I've been focused on the right because of pain/soreness and more obvious changes.

Testosterone was normal:

Testosterone, Total 676 ng/dL 195.0 - 1138.0 ng/dL

I got my testosterone measured before "the change" and it was as follows:

550.7 with a normal range of 300-1000.

I tried Levitra for the first time. It had a slight effect, but again my erection was very crooked and not to full size. What I'm noticing immediately afterwards is an inflammation or lump at the point of the right testicle, as though if you stand an egg on end there is a little pouch of something under the skin, on or around where the spermatic chord is that's sore to the touch. I've had this once before and it usually goes away after a couple of days. I've asked the following of my doctor, since what's wrong with me seems to be physical:

"I tried the Levitra finally and it only seemed to help slightly and makes the extreme angle of the erection much more pronounced. Afterwards, I'm noticing a kind of lump or inflamation at the bottom of the right testicle. If you stood an egg on the pointy end, it would be where the pointy end is. It's a bit sore, maybe pain of 3 and I've noticed this a few times before, always only after erection and it seems to go away after a couple days. This may be why it wasn't noticed in the physical exam or ultrasound.

I'm wondering the following:
1. Is there a test for Peyronie's Disease? I know that condition was mentioned in the office visit.
2. Can I get my sperm count checked?
3. Maybe the problem is in the shaft but manifests itself as soreness in the spermatic chord? Are there any tests that can be performed on "system" during and after erection?"

I forgot to ask about Thyroid function, but I'll ask.

I am getting more morning wood, but it always seems to be related to having to go to the bathroom, and disappears once I urinate. I'm also noticing that the timing of blood flow to the erection just seems to be off. If it gets erect, it will almost immediately "fall down" unless I push it to the right, essentially straightening it, which helps to keep it erect. After ejaculation, the shaft immediately shrinks to as small as it can possibly go, but then seems to become slightly engorged after a minute. It's like the sequence is off. More to discuss with the doctor. I've actually only seen the PA, so maybe I'll get access to the doctor this time, though I do have a lot of respect for PAs.
 

moviegoer

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Saw the best doctor so far, a urologist. His diagnosis is as follows:

1. Bent penis - Peyronie's Disease. He pointed out the plaque which I'd also identified as strange, a hard thin rod-like structure on the left side of the shaft where the scarring is, which causes shortening on that side and the bend to the left. He's prescribed Pentoxifylline ER.

2. Testicular/spermatic chord pain - Hernia. I have an appointment with a surgeon next week.

3. Inflammation/Tightening of the pelvic floor - this is probably the main cause of the ED and is often caused by stress (girl problems, stress of STD and Peyronie's changes). He prescribed Oxaprozin for a month.

Since both Oxaprozin and Pentoxifylline ER cause stomach distress, he's having me take the Oxaprozin for the full month before starting the Pentoxifylline.

The acute period for Peyronie's is a year, so I have about nine months left of that where I'll take the Pentoxifylline. Surgery is not recommended during that time to remove plaque because the shaft and scar tissue are in a state of flux. After the year if penetration is difficult/painful, then we'll talk surgery.

In other news, prior to this visit, things have been suddenly improving. The only change has been more aerobic activity like dancing, running, jump rope that involves a lot of jarring to the body. Also, when my penis is erect, I've noticed that if I move the shaft so that it's not crooked and bent, I can actually maintain an erection, though it's a strange one, knobby at the base from Peyronie's. That seems to have swelled the testicles so that they're actually acting more normally, although I still have pain which for now I'm attributing to the hernia. With feeling returning to testicles, depression has lifted and I just feel more normal, more like myself, despite the pain and Peyronie's. I see light at the end of this year's tunnel.

Fweed, I think hernia is a sneaky thing, because I've seen six medical professionals in six months and only the latest caught it and it's only on one side, the right/bad side. Funny even the very thorough ultrasound missed it. The difference was this guy wasn't afraid to really look at my genitals and when he was diagnosing hernia, he pushed hard enough to reveal the source of pain. I think, unfortunately and understandably, a lot of medical staff, even urological staff, really don't want to look at your organ as long and as thoroughly as they need to to find the problem.

Final thing, I did try one levitra and while it didn't work very well in the moment, it may have kind of opened things up and got them flowing. Current doctor recommends using it as a crutch to prove to your body and mind that erections are possible and then slowly weening yourself off of them.
 

fweed

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Hi moviegoer, you've given good information again. It also sounds like things are on the mend for you, and a fairly complete recovery plan.
For your questions, a sperm count is a good idea, mention it to your local doctor or urologist. You give a sample in a jar, as soon afterwards as possible, best to keep it body temperature. They can test number of sperms per ml, motility, and various other qualities. It will assure you that your testicles are functioning fully.
It could be the hernia is pushing on the spermatic cord/veins, which might result in temporary obstruction or increased pressure in the blood supply, perhaps causing the localised swelling and the pain. That's a guess though, I've wondered if I have the same thing from my hernia.
There are tests designed to examine function during an erection. They inject your penis to cause an erection, and then can test bloodflow, and other things. Ask your doc if he thinks it would give more info.
Morning wood does come more regularly from a full bladder at night, there's theories that part of the reason for this response is to avoid involuntary night urination. Honestly, erections are good for your penile tissue, so drinking some water before bed is a nice way to boost morning wood. Regular erections provide oxygen rich blood and keep the penis tissue healthy.
Same with the regular low dose of levitra, if it keeps you having regular erections, it is a good idea. Like you said, also good for your mental state, and in turn your endocrine system.
I don't remember much of what I read about peyronie's disease. I'd recommend you focus your research on that and find out if there are physical therapy things or environmental factors, and diet/supplements which can allow for healing.
It's good to hear you are feeling more yourself.
Do whatever works, if the straightening thing works, keep doing it as long as it isn't painful, ask your doc if you want to be sure it's alright to do.
Your testosterone looks good, that can be increased by lifestyle and diet too. Lower body exercise, gaining muscle mass, sunlight - including sunlight to your genitals, dark green vegetables, nuts and seeds, mushrooms.
 

kelcy

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kelcy, a reason why you may feel better in the morning is because that is when testosterone levels are highest, after a good sleep.
The penis being smaller and cold might be a lack of nitric oxide being produced, maybe also low DHT I have read. Make sure you tell the doctor/urologist about where the pains have been and at what times.
I m having my first urology appt next week.
But my symptoms seem to improve considerably. There's only some discomfort at penis base during sitting. penile coldness, sensitivity and erection has improved.
Not sure whether I should visit the urologist.
 

fweed

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Follow your instinct. I would say any abnormality that lasts more than a few days is worth the visit. If it is very expensive for you, then consider postponing the appointment, so you can see whether things improve completely. If it is just about the time or not wanting to 'bother' the urologist, then go anyway, because you'll have more information. Ask him to check with a valsalvar maneuver, where you hold your breath to increase internal pressure. That helps him see if there is a hernia or varicocele, both of which can cause discomfort and secondary effects.
 

kelcy

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Ok. Noted.I'd just confirm the appt.
I just don't want in your head or some perfunctory response from them.
 

fweed

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That is what I had from a few, and it was very disappointing and off-putting, that they didn't seem at all interested in finding out what was wrong or fixing it. But there's a chance you'll have a capable doctor, who will find out more information for you, so it is honestly better to chance disappointment for that possibility of more knowledge that might lead to improvement. Have to keep trying, like one of the guys above said, it took him visiting several urologists before one was thorough enough to discover it was a hernia causing him pain.
Good luck
 

moviegoer

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Latest update, surgeon was unable to find hernia that urologist "found" and ultrasound on inguinal area was negative for hernia. A doctor friend of mine is instead suggesting that I have testicular appendage torsion (not testicular torsion which is a medical emergency). This is supposed to resolve itself, but it's been four months or more of this intermittent pain. I've messaged the urologist with this latest theory and will report back to this thread with what he says. This is really starting to sound like it.

No update on peyronie's. I've only been taking the medication for a month, so not seeing many results.

I will discuss erection test with my doctor, might be a good idea. Still seeing light at the end of the tunnel, I think I'm getting closer to the truth with my friend's theory plus the peyronie's.
 

fweed

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I've heard of testicular appendage torsion, though I don't remember the best way to detect it. An MRI of the pelvis might show what is wrong, but can be expensive.
For the scar tissue, it can be improved with increase of bloodflow, massaging the area, and application of heat - just not to the testicles. You could have warm, not hot, salt water baths and sit in them. I read one study titled amellioration of penile fibrosis with sildenafil, a medicine which your doctor can prescribe for other symptoms. The study said daily use showed results and greater regeneration of smooth muscle cells over time.
 

moviegoer

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I'm thinking now that I have a spermatocele in addition to the Peyronie's, but sometimes the spermatocele will go away or be less painful or smaller with normal function of everything (excluding the Peyronie's, that doesn't go away, just the angle has decreased) as spontaneously as it appeared.

Only seems like two options with spermatocele: surgery (risk of infertility) or leave it be. But the fact that it seems to go away at times is interesting, like there are things I could be doing (or not doing) to decrease the likelihood that it will affect me, even if it is ever present. Masturbation seems to make it much worse and sometimes having not masturbated for a while, it seems to go away. Interactions with females and being aroused in that way does not seem to make it worse and actually seems to help.

Any advice on improving flow through epididymis/spermatic tubes? My issues seem to start there more than blood flow.

Haven't had insurance these last couple months but it kicks in in Septmeber, at which point I'll try a new urologist and hand him my self-diagnosis of speramatocele and see what can be done.
 

fweed

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1-2 spermatoceles showed up on my scan too, and can affect function, though I don't know to what extent. If a doctor has examined your scrotum forcefully, then they could possibly have caused one if it is a recent thing. Can also have developed by itself. For reducing the effect, and increasing blood supply, I would think that sitting in a warm, but not too hot, bath for a while once every day or two would help.
Interesting that masturbation can worsen it and female contact not, but there are some complex interactions.
I certainly feel better after female contact. I read that female secretions can have beneficial hormonal effects on males.
There was a relatively recent medical study which I think was called "amelioration of penile atrophy" which studied the effects on low doses of erectile dysfunction medication taken daily having measurable significant beneficial effects on various physical elements, smooth muscle cells, penile tone,
and increased regeneration of the penile tissue. I would expect that it could have an effect on scrotal problems too.
Try to find some info and/or ask your doctor. The study was done long term, over some months.
If you think surgery is better avoided for your spermatocele, then try all non-harmful options.
Maybe turmeric, as that reduces inflammation - keep reading.

If you find anything that works, foods reducing inflammation or
increasing healing, or perhaps a natural cream to be applied from
the outside of the scrotum, or a medication/therapy, I'd be interested to hear.
 
NAO1255

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Erectile dysfunction from minoxidil? It actually can work like Viagra and Cialis through the nitric oxide channel. I do not think it is the cause of your problem.
It does have *some* Anti-Androgenic (anti-Testosterone) Properties though.
 

Prikkel

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Prikkel, maybe you could find somewhere to have blood hormone tests done privately, they are usually not very expensive. See if it is within your budget. Testosterone alone would be a good indicator to start with.
The nipple sensitivity can be a sign of raised prolactin, which is sometimes due to high levels of prolonged stress. Prolactin can reduce testosterone levels and kill libido as well as making you feel tired. It is great to hear you are beginning to feel more yourself again. Maybe I will try raw garlic, how much do you eat per day? I also haven't had sexual dreams since this started.
I don't know what would have made your testicle sensitive, was it injured at the time, or just spontaneous?
I'm not in America, private is expensive and I'm poor :D I have about half to a full clove a day... I should maybe also mention that I'm Vegetarian and used to eat lots of Soy, but have switched to Hemp protein mostly & I'm also very glad to report that I'm horny again, with nice rock hard erections :D I also worked through a 800g box of Maca Root at the beginning of the year... Still don't know what was wrong, but at least I can say that there is hope, though it took me more than 2 years to get here... so hang in there, don't lose hope in time you might recover...
 
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fweed

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That's good news, thanks for the update. Could have been a combination of the change in protein source, maca root and time for something to heal.
When did you notice improvement, can you give more details, a time line, it would be really useful to know.
I've had this for four years and not seen improvement.
 

croboy17

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Hello @fweed

Any update on your situation? I am shocked to see a story IDENTICAL to mine. In June 2016 at the age of 21 I was working my first job on a contruction site. I also wanted to take this time to get extremely fit. It was a stressful job (lots of responsibilities) I was also undereating and overtraining (cardio). It seemed that over night I had developed the pain that you describe as only mine is in the right testicle/right groin area. I also developed fatigue. My left testicle surely has shrunk 60% atleast and right maybe 20-30%.

I have numbness of the gentials (rubber feeling) tight scrotum. My penis glans no longer has a "coating" but it always dry. Low semen volume and force. Numb orgasm. Complete loss of libido. Dry eyes. Restless Legs. Urinary stress incontinence. I have pain in my right testicle/ right groin/ that sometimes can go all the way to the right kidney. I also noticed the loss of vascularity on the arms. My penis always feels cold, numb and full of air. Testicles feel dead. I used to have the common cold/flu at least twice a year. However I have no been sick once since this all happened.

I have visited countless urologists, endocrinologists, neurologists with no answer. They have all suggested it is just in my head. I have completely lossed all morning and spontaneous erections in the last 4 years since this all happened as well. I can get an erection if I am stimulated but it goes down really quickly! I have noticed are symptoms are similar to Post Finasteride Syndrome however I have never taken any of these drugs (finasteride/accutane/ssri)

I found a functional medicine doctor on youtube. He told me that he believes that this is caused by IMMUNE SYSTEM dysfunction and it is all being caused by a VIRAL INFECTION! Please get back to me as I believe we can solve this together! Both of our problems started after episode of stress. Stress weakens immune system.

Cheers!

Hi,

I've read through a lot of posts on here and other boards - looking for information.

In January this year (2015), I experienced a sudden loss of libido and extreme fatigue.
This happened within 24 hours (overnight). From being totally fine, healthy and full of lust for life, to nothing.
After a couple of days, I noticed my testicles had shrunk to 50% volume/total size.
I panicked, thought I had had testicular torsion, went to the hospital. No torsion, 'seemed healthy'.
Referred me to a urologist.

Since then, almost 9 months have passed. I've seen 6 urologists, an endocrinologist and several general doctors.
I have had:
- numerous manual examinations (including the valsalva maneuver)
- a scrotal ecography
- abdomenal ecography (kidneys and bladder),
- two blood tests for hormone levels

None have encountered this before - nor have any given a diagnosis or any kind of treatment whatsoever.

The scrotal ecography revealed a 'small' varicocele (4mm), a couple of 'small' hydroceles - all on the left testicle.
The abdomenal ecography was in around June, following 24 hours of 'a large quantity of blood in the urine'.
That showed nothing whatsoever in the bladder or kidneys.

No cause has been presented for the blood in the urine either.

I'm 35, physically fit, do not drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks, do not smoke or anything else. I have no other medical problems
and take no medication whatsoever.
My diet is balanced - and one week after the testicle shrinkage - I improved my diet further to include testosterone boosting
foods (more red meat, dairy, brasil nuts, walnuts, dark green vegetables, mushrooms and so on). None of these are eaten
in excess. It hasn't cured me - nor had any great effect that I can notice.

I can post my full bloodwork in a later reply, if anyone is interested.
Testosterone a month afterwards (in February) was around 670 ng/ml.
In the beginning of September, it was 890 ng/ml. The diet may have helped that, but when I questioned one doctor in particular
in July - he said my testosterone (given my fitness and age and so on) should be around 1,000.

The blood tests supposedly all fall within normal ranges - which really isn't helpful - as the doctors just tell me it is in my head
which is compounding my hopelessness.

The doctors have brushed me off, giving me a followup appointment 2 months down the line each time, last one was set for
3 months from that one (mid December). The endocrinologist was one of the worst - refuting that I had any real cause,
either physical or hormonal - saying "it is probably psychological".

I've had more pain above my left testicle since the beginning of July - which I suppose is from the varicocele.

From my guess, something burst or failed in the end of the January, very suddenly, my ball shrank and messed up my hormonal
system (adrenals/thyroid) in some way that is irreversible unless treated in the proper sequence.

My symptoms include: no morning erections, no spontaneous erections, not much sensation down there,
no sexual fantasies or even sexual dreams, no libido.
Along with that, a pain in the groin above my left testicle which lasts for almost all the day.

Some other things I have noticed which may be related. I have no real urge anymore to use the toilet, for liquids or solids. Nor do I have
any 'relief' or pleasurable feeling from doing so. I just feel 'full' or 'empty' afterwards. That's it. No great hunger or thirst either. I just
eat when I think I should have food.
The rest of my experiences and emotions feel almost completely flatline too - like I don't experience any pleasure from anything.
This could be my adrenals or thyroid or a combination.

At times, I can manually stimulate and a weak erection comes (not always) - it never reaches the full size.
If I stop manual stimulation, the erection almost immediately deflates - it doesn't last by itself.

Directly before this happened - I had morning erection almost every day, that would last 20-30 minutes by mild thoughts alone -
spontaneous erections throughout the day.

My arms and wrists seem smaller than before, I don't seem to be holding muscle as I was immediately before.

Over the months, I have been fighting off a depression that this thing is causing.
I really need some information and help on what to do next.

From what I have read, a good varicocele surgery - and one of the PCT restart therapies might fix me.

Most of the doctors have more or less laughed in my face, told me to relax and that it isn't serious.
Frankly it has ruined my life, I don't see any future continuing like this. I don't see how that can't be serious.

Thanks for reading, I'd appreciate any help.
 

TheIronAsylum

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i have a similar issue going on but it started with a blow to the testicles a couple months ago... where i had a month of just weird stuff happening with my balls they would shrink up swell up everything? if id go to the gym they would swell up in like the top/ front of the balls in 2 seperate tube looking things under the penis?

i went to tdoctor they said looked normal had ultrasound they said that looked normal as well. during erection my balls would almost dissapear up into me like non existent and still have the issue somewhat??
anyone have any input on this?

also iv had crazy fatigue and such as well
 

croboy17

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@TheIronAsylum Hey bro. I think I know the answer to what has happened with us. In my case I was taking hydrocoritsone cream for a fungal rash on my thighs. It is a immuno supressant. I was also doing 2 hours of cardio, working my first job 10 hours a day and also under eating. I believe we are suffering from VIRAL reactivation.

Please check for ebv, cmv, hsv1-2 , lyme, parvo, vzv etc...

Basically this happened to me over night! Fit bodybuilding 21 year old who put on muscle easily, next night genital shrunkage, numbness, leaking urine, tight scrotum, testicle pain (like the top of testciles or bottom) I got hot and cold sensations to in testicles. Right groin and right kidney also dull pain sometimes.

Where you stressed around the time this happened?
 
Last edited:

TheIronAsylum

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@TheIronAsylum Hey bro. I think I know the answer to what has happened with us. In my case I was taking hydrocoritsone cream for a fungal rash on my thighs. It is a immuno supressant. I was also doing 2 hours of cardio, working my first job 10 hours a day and also under eating. I believe we are suffering from VIRAL reactivation.

Please check for ebv, cmv, hsv1-2 , lyme, parvo, vzv etc...

Basically this happened to me over night! Fit bodybuilding 21 year old who put on muscle easily, next night genital shrunkage, numbness, leaking urine, tight scrotum, testicle pain (like the top of testciles or bottom) I got hot and cold sensations to in testicles. Right groin and right kidney also dull pain sometimes.

Where you stressed around the time this happened?
yea i was pretty stressed as welll . did you get any better? or what did you do to fix the problem?
i did get blood work and my Thyroid TPO was greater than 1300 which i havent figured out yet

im curious what you have been doing?
 

croboy17

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@TheIronAsylum

It is my belief that we are suffering from a chronic underlying infection. This can be ebv, hsv1/2, cmv, parvo, vzv, lyme etc. These for some reason have become reactivated. Basically leaving us with something like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
 

TheIronAsylum

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@TheIronAsylum

It is my belief that we are suffering from a chronic underlying infection. This can be ebv, hsv1/2, cmv, parvo, vzv, lyme etc. These for some reason have become reactivated. Basically leaving us with something like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
im gonna look into that but wht have you been doing to fix or cure the issue
 

croboy17

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hard to know what to do unless you have some kind of diagnosis.. For instance bacterial infection I would get anti biotics. Viral infection I would fast, and do 100% keto. Take monolaurin, garlic.
 

croboy17

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Update: Like Prikkel I am trying to approach this from all angles. I started new diet 3 days ago. No sugar, no carbs. Only bone broth, 2-4 cloves of garlic a day. Some meat, and salad, and handful of almonds.
 

croboy17

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@fweed any update?

I have noticed that diet does seem to improve my general feeling of well being/fatigue. However I still have no libido, numb genitals, cold penis, tight scrotum, leaking urine... Also vascularity has dissapeared.

I did a stool test, so I will update on Wednesday when I get the results.
 

fweed

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@fweed any update?

I have noticed that diet does seem to improve my general feeling of well being/fatigue. However I still have no libido, numb genitals, cold penis, tight scrotum, leaking urine... Also vascularity has dissapeared.

I did a stool test, so I will update on Wednesday when I get the results.
@croboy17
Hi croboy17, thanks for tagging me as it has brought me back to this thread.
In regard to some of the other symptoms you've mentioned, my urine flow has been weakened,
perhaps to half pressure of what it was. bladder does not void as easily, and i find i have to squeeze out the remnants.
This suggests benign prostate hyperplasia, perhaps due to the varicocele causing the testosterone rich blood to pool
around the groin and redirect into the prostate, leading to its enlargement over time, as well as reduced distribution of
testosterone to the rest of the body/brain. I haven't had my prostate tested, so that is just a theory.

One strange thing i have is an occasional 'pulsing' in the area between the anus and the scrotum,
that feels similar to when you have a muscular twitch. This might be an impinged nerve.
As you say, the glans no longer has a 'coating', maybe this is a keratin surface, the same as is present on the lips.
it used to be shiny when fully erect, but the head is never fully engorged and is never shiny, also duller in colour.

Your theory on viral infection or an immune response is interesting. Some of the endocrinologists
asked whether I had any immune disorders, which I didn't. I think that is a rather general question
from an endocrinologist, just as with them asking whether you have diabetes etc.
What was your stool sample test for?

Also, have you read through Spurfy's posts, earlier in this thread? He talks about adult onset growth hormone deficiency.
I have to say I have not done much towards resolving this problem for several years. I really believe it could have been
fixed to a large extent, 80-90% within a few months of it happening, if I could have seen the right doctors.
I still think that the answer may be surgery to repair the varicocele, hernia, and perhaps remove the spermatoceles,
followed by a period of 1-3 months of some of the medicine therapies people have spoken about. It might return
at least a large part of functionality, and caused a degree of regeneration over a longer period.

How are your emotions? Mine have become very very flat, I feel like I have no soul anymore, and it has been like
that for several years. I experience no pleasure from normal activities, even urination brings no rush up the spine.
That began within the first six months. I wonder too if the associated receptors in the brain have atrophied from
lack of stimulation. I experience occasional sadness, fleeting anger, but not much besides. My attachment to people,
females has been greatly reduced to the point where it is barely noticeable, this can be related to oxytocin which
is produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pitiutary - this hypo-pitiutary axis seems to be at the core
of at least half of the puzzle, somehow mine became derailed. MRI showed nothing out of the ordinary, but they
can miss small changes.

It seems there are quite a few people out there with similar condition, but very few doctors anywhere with any kind
of clue, or even the patience to look into it.
 
Last edited:

fweed

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i have a similar issue going on but it started with a blow to the testicles a couple months ago... where i had a month of just weird stuff happening with my balls they would shrink up swell up everything? if id go to the gym they would swell up in like the top/ front of the balls in 2 seperate tube looking things under the penis?

i went to tdoctor they said looked normal had ultrasound they said that looked normal as well. during erection my balls would almost dissapear up into me like non existent and still have the issue somewhat??
anyone have any input on this?

also iv had crazy fatigue and such as well
@TheIronAsylum
It could be a varicocele, causing the veins to bulge across the surface of the testicles. Did it clear up at all, or increase in size?
Your balls disappearing up into you sounds like a problem with the cremastic chords, which are the muscle-walled chords which
your testicles are suspended from. They are supposed to retract when it is cold, or when you are running or have high stress
or adrenaline, such as in a fight. They could be either being inflamed or too tight, or caught on something, maybe a hernia?
It could also be hormonal, but I don't know the mechanics behind that.
 

croboy17

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@croboy17
Hi croboy17, thanks for tagging me as it has brought me back to this thread.
In regard to some of the other symptoms you've mentioned, my urine flow has been weakened,
perhaps to half pressure of what it was. bladder does not void as easily, and i find i have to squeeze out the remnants.
This suggests benign prostate hyperplasia, perhaps due to the varicocele causing the testosterone rich blood to pool
around the groin and redirect into the prostate, leading to its enlargement over time, as well as reduced distribution of
testosterone to the rest of the body/brain. I haven't had my prostate tested, so that is just a theory.

One strange thing i have is an occasional 'pulsing' in the area between the anus and the scrotum,
that feels similar to when you have a muscular twitch. This might be an impinged nerve.
As you say, the glans no longer has a 'coating', maybe this is a keratin surface, the same as is present on the lips.
it used to be shiny when fully erect, but the head is never fully engorged and is never shiny, also duller in colour.

Your theory on viral infection or an immune response is interesting. Some of the endocrinologists
asked whether I had any immune disorders, which I didn't. I think that is a rather general question
from an endocrinologist, just as with them asking whether you have diabetes etc.
What was your stool sample test for?

Also, have you read through Spurfy's posts, earlier in this thread? He talks about adult onset growth hormone deficiency.
I have to say I have not done much towards resolving this problem for several years. I really believe it could have been
fixed to a large extent, 80-90% within a few months of it happening, if I could have seen the right doctors.
I still think that the answer may be surgery to repair the varicocele, hernia, and perhaps remove the spermatoceles,
followed by a period of 1-3 months of some of the medicine therapies people have spoken about. It might return
at least a large part of functionality, and caused a degree of regeneration over a longer period.

How are your emotions? Mine have become very very flat, I feel like I have no soul anymore, and it has been like
that for several years. I experience no pleasure from normal activities, even urination brings no rush up the spine.
That began within the first six months. I wonder too if the associated receptors in the brain have atrophied from
lack of stimulation. I experience occasional sadness, fleeting anger, but not much besides. My attachment to people,
females has been greatly reduced to the point where it is barely noticeable, this can be related to oxytocin which
is produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pitiutary - this hypo-pitiutary axis seems to be at the core
of at least half of the puzzle, somehow mine became derailed. MRI showed nothing out of the ordinary, but they
can miss small changes.

It seems there are quite a few people out there with similar condition, but very few doctors anywhere with any kind
of clue, or even the patience to look into it.
I'm starting to think this is all due to fungus overgrowth in my gut.. Leaking into prostate.. Impinging nerves.. Fucking with adrenals, testicles and thyroid.. I took amoxicillin for pneumonia in Feb 2016. MARCH 2016 I developed sudden egg allergy breaking out in hives. Then this Post finasteride like syndrome started.. I even googled how can you develop egg allergy in adulthood. One answr was that your gut bacteria prob got messed up and eggs contain sulphur.. Basically it's die of symptoms. I Got itchy penis with balanitis too that comes and goes.. update soon
 

croboy17

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@croboy17
Hi croboy17, thanks for tagging me as it has brought me back to this thread.
In regard to some of the other symptoms you've mentioned, my urine flow has been weakened,
perhaps to half pressure of what it was. bladder does not void as easily, and i find i have to squeeze out the remnants.
This suggests benign prostate hyperplasia, perhaps due to the varicocele causing the testosterone rich blood to pool
around the groin and redirect into the prostate, leading to its enlargement over time, as well as reduced distribution of
testosterone to the rest of the body/brain. I haven't had my prostate tested, so that is just a theory.

One strange thing i have is an occasional 'pulsing' in the area between the anus and the scrotum,
that feels similar to when you have a muscular twitch. This might be an impinged nerve.
As you say, the glans no longer has a 'coating', maybe this is a keratin surface, the same as is present on the lips.
it used to be shiny when fully erect, but the head is never fully engorged and is never shiny, also duller in colour.

Your theory on viral infection or an immune response is interesting. Some of the endocrinologists
asked whether I had any immune disorders, which I didn't. I think that is a rather general question
from an endocrinologist, just as with them asking whether you have diabetes etc.
What was your stool sample test for?

Also, have you read through Spurfy's posts, earlier in this thread? He talks about adult onset growth hormone deficiency.
I have to say I have not done much towards resolving this problem for several years. I really believe it could have been
fixed to a large extent, 80-90% within a few months of it happening, if I could have seen the right doctors.
I still think that the answer may be surgery to repair the varicocele, hernia, and perhaps remove the spermatoceles,
followed by a period of 1-3 months of some of the medicine therapies people have spoken about. It might return
at least a large part of functionality, and caused a degree of regeneration over a longer period.

How are your emotions? Mine have become very very flat, I feel like I have no soul anymore, and it has been like
that for several years. I experience no pleasure from normal activities, even urination brings no rush up the spine.
That began within the first six months. I wonder too if the associated receptors in the brain have atrophied from
lack of stimulation. I experience occasional sadness, fleeting anger, but not much besides. My attachment to people,
females has been greatly reduced to the point where it is barely noticeable, this can be related to oxytocin which
is produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pitiutary - this hypo-pitiutary axis seems to be at the core
of at least half of the puzzle, somehow mine became derailed. MRI showed nothing out of the ordinary, but they
can miss small changes.

It seems there are quite a few people out there with similar condition, but very few doctors anywhere with any kind
of clue, or even the patience to look into it.
Yes my urine flow is also weakened, Its like I can not push the urine out anymore, it just flows out my dead penis like a faucet. I also believe I have developed a varicocele in my left testicle, although it has not been confirmed. I also have 1 spermatocele in my left testicle. Strange that you mention the pulse feeling between scrotum and testicles. I have mentioned many times befoe that I feel a twitch in between both of my testicles. It's as if there is a signal for the testicles to produce hormones but its failing to get in and it's just bouncing between both the testicles (like a failed electrical current) My emotions are also pretty flat, I don't get much joy from playing video games or sports anymore. My motivation is gone but once again I believe this is due to an infection fucking with the gut/prostate ->Adrenals->Thyroid->Testicles.

I will keep you updated on my new stool test on Wednesday. It should mention if there is any fungal/bacterial overgrowth, as well as if there is dysbiosis.
Also does your penis feel very light? And filled with air instead of blood? Do you leak urine? Have a cold feeling in penis/testicles?
 
ohiostate2827

ohiostate2827

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Your testosterone is low..especially free test
 

mowgliuk

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I almost stopped looking at this thread but glad I got all the way through. As background Im 35 powerlifter, extremely health conscious and would say on top form health wise. I don't like mainstream medicine much so very much go my own way and try and find things that actually work to avoid some of the frustration people are getting here for eg.

I have what appears to be varicoceles in both balls but pain in right one. Bad dull ache that very suddenly happened during an argument where i was shouting. However I did recognise the pain but it only would happen sometimes and mildly generally when sitting in car (in tight gym clothes on way to gym) over course of past year. (where I have been more sedentary and stressed) Never enough for me to take full note. I had ultrasound at time that apparently showed nothing other than two benign cysts, some 'normal' fluid and no hernias (but I know this could well be not true as have been misdiagnosed that before). The veins hadn't popped up at that point they appeared about two weeks later.

Balls are sitting weirdly I feel, perhaps smaller or at least the right one feels like it gets in the way of my leg. They definitely seem higher, but also sometimes lower than normal. At times theyve been so high Ive dreaded going to toilet (number 2) as they would retract so far it was scary. Also went for a cold swim and right one retracted fully which is completely unlike me.
As a powerlifter I could have hurt myself through repetitive strain in groin with pelvic imbalance due to scoliosis and tight hip flexors. Also an SI joint injury that was never fully better and still creating stiffness on that side.

I saw one person in here mention tightness in pelvis and that could certainly be a factor. For me hip flexors and anterior pelvic tilt are a thing. One day stretching them I felt like a rush of blood going down to that area and temporarily felt like my balls were back to normal. I am fixing my scoliosis too finally after 16 years which will hopefully see further improvements and will see a pelvic floor physio.

Interestingly though, I realised a week ago I had been consuming a homemade supplement that had gone mouldy, perhaps for weeks/months. I always have it at night, with dim or red lights on and hadn't noticed the black specks.

I feel this is probably the match that lit something. Mould can effect VEGF levels, responsible for the creation of new blood vessels, it could also cause infections anywhere and everywhere from lymph nodes to urinary tract, gut etc. Can also effect regular sex hormones, thyroid etc. And it is massively underdiagnosed or just not known about.

So I'm glad I stuck in till the end when someone mentioned the fungal infection idea. I am doing a lab test and will see. Perhaps others have something similar going on.

I am trying different alternative methodologies. Started Cosmodic/Scenar therapy and the woman has had past successes with a few people with varicoceles that were booked in for surgeries and cancelled them (and OP she is in the UK London/south coast). I will report back with progress.
 

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