Monorchism

Monorchism is a medical condition characterized by the presence of only one testicle in the scrotum. This condition can be either congenital, meaning present at birth, or can occur later in life due to a variety of reasons such as testicular torsion, testicular cancer, or trauma.

Causes

Monorchism can be caused by a variety of factors. Congenital monorchism, also known as anorchia, is a condition where a male is born with only one testicle. This can occur due to genetic factors or issues during fetal development.

Acquired monorchism can occur due to a variety of reasons. Testicular torsion, a condition where the spermatic cord becomes twisted, cutting off blood supply to the testicle, can result in the loss of a testicle if not treated promptly. Testicular cancer can also result in monorchism if a testicle needs to be removed as part of treatment. Trauma to the testicle can also result in its loss.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of monorchism is the presence of only one testicle in the scrotum. This can be identified through a physical examination. Other symptoms can vary depending on the cause of the monorchism. For example, testicular torsion can cause severe pain, while testicular cancer can cause a lump in the testicle.

Treatment

Treatment for monorchism depends on the cause. In cases of testicular torsion, immediate surgery is often required to untwist the spermatic cord and restore blood flow. If a testicle has been removed due to testicular cancer, treatment will focus on addressing the cancer, which may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or additional surgery.

In cases where a male is uncomfortable with having only one testicle, a prosthetic testicle can be implanted into the scrotum. This is a cosmetic procedure and does not restore testicular function.

See also

• Anorchia
• Testicular torsion
• Testicular cancer

Monorchism Resources
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