The purpose of male testicles

The male testicles are internal reproductive organs. Under normal circumstances, there are two testicles, located on the left and right sides of the scrotum. They are symmetrical in size and slightly flattened oval in shape. The longitudinal length of a healthy young male is approximately 4 to 5 cm. Some men have testicles that are one larger than the other, or one higher than the other. If the difference is not too big, it is normal. The main function of the testicles is to produce sperm and secrete hormones.

From adolescence to old age, the testicles have the function of producing sperm, but after the age of 45, the spermatogenic ability gradually weakens. Some congenital and acquired factors can reduce the spermatogenic function of the testicles and even lead to male infertility.

The hormones secreted by the testicles are mainly androgens. Among male hormones, testosterone has the strongest biological activity and is the most important. The main functions of testosterone are to affect embryonic differentiation, promote the development of internal reproductive organs, maintain spermatogenesis, stimulate the growth of accessory organs and maintain sexual desire. It also has a great impact on metabolism.

In ancient China, there was a rule that eunuchs had to have their testicles removed before they could enter the palace. These eunuchs will lose certain male characteristics, such as not growing beards, sparse body hair, and cannot have sexual intercourse. Their lifespan is also shorter than that of normal men. The reason for these consequences is that they no longer have testicles that can produce testosterone.

In short, with testosterone, men become more manly. The testosterone level in normal male blood is highest between the ages of 20 and 50, and gradually decreases with age above 50. At this time, many elderly men will experience symptoms such as mental tension or depression, fatigue, memory loss, inattention, insomnia, hot flashes, sweating, decreased libido and erectile dysfunction, which is what we call male menopause.

Many factors can affect testicular function. The testicles must be below body temperature to perform their normal physiological functions. Therefore, the testicular function of patients with high testicles or cryptorchidism, as well as men who are often exposed to high temperatures, will be affected. Varicocele is a common disease in men, with an incidence rate of about 15% in the normal population. Some drugs, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are iatrogenic factors that affect testicular function. Environmental pollutants may also have an impact on men's health.