Small testicles do not necessarily affect fertility; male infertility is related to diet.

Small testicles do not necessarily affect fertility.

Xiao Liu is an unmarried young man whose testicles are now only one-third the size of a normal testicle due to a past injury. He has a girlfriend and they are at the point of discussing marriage, but he is still worried about whether he will be able to have a healthy baby.

In fact, situations like Xiaoliu's don't necessarily affect fertility. Testicular trauma can indeed affect fertility, but it depends on the severity of the injury and the age at which it occurred. If the testicles are already mature, it won't affect their development. The testicle on the injured side may atrophy, which could affect sperm production on that side, but it doesn't necessarily affect fertility.

Eighty percent of the testis's volume is composed of seminiferous tubules, the "sperm processing factory" responsible for spermatogenesis. The interstitium, which accounts for only 20% of the testis's volume, is where testosterone is produced, and even small amounts of testosterone can exert a significant physiological effect. Therefore, it's easy to understand that the testosterone production function of patients with small testes due to trauma is not necessarily affected simultaneously. Their sexual development should not be a problem, nor will it affect their ability to achieve orgasm after marriage.

If the testicle shrinks after trauma, spermatogenesis in that testicle will be affected, resulting in a reduced sperm count. Xiaoliu has one normal testicle that produces a normal number of sperm. Since the prostate and seminal vesicle functions are not affected, and the secretions and sperm from the testicles and epididymis constitute only a small percentage of the total semen volume, the total semen volume remains at a normal level. Therefore, it should not cause infertility. Of course, it is best for Xiaoliu to consult a urologist at a reputable hospital before marriage for relevant examinations and further diagnosis to ensure a clear understanding of the situation.

Author: Jia Yusen

**Male infertility is related to diet.**

When it comes to male infertility, people usually think of it as being related to wearing tight pants for extended periods, frequent sauna use, and various forms of electromagnetic radiation. However, with the continuous advancement of research in male medicine, medical experts have discovered that many cases of infertility are actually caused by diet. The common causes include the following.

**Nutritional excess or deficiency**

Nutritional factors are closely related to fertility, a fact confirmed by scientific research. Both insufficient and excessive nutrition can lead to male infertility. Animal experiments have shown that malnutrition can reduce semen volume and fructose content, while severe nutritional deficiencies can lead to impaired sperm production. In today's relatively abundant food supply, the main causes of malnutrition, besides disease, are selective and unbalanced diets. Malnourished individuals often exhibit varying degrees of deficiency in amino acids, vitamins, and trace elements. Sperm production, maturation, and motility are closely related to amino acids, vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as trace elements such as zinc, calcium, iron, and selenium. A lack of these substances in the diet can reduce sperm production and decrease sperm motility, leading to infertility. On the other hand, excessive nutrition can also cause male infertility. This potential danger often begins in adolescence. Excessive nutrition during adolescence can lead to obesity, and fat deposition can cause fatty degeneration of the posterior pituitary gland, resulting in loss or decline of pituitary function, reduced release of male hormones, and consequently, testicular atrophy and penile hypoplasia, greatly increasing the likelihood of infertility in adulthood.

**Long-term picky eating**

Long-term consumption of certain foods, such as cottonseed oil and celery, can lead to a decrease in sperm count and quality, potentially causing infertility. The link between cottonseed oil and infertility has been confirmed by both clinical and experimental studies, therefore it should be avoided. Furthermore, shark fin has long been considered a delicacy and a nourishing food in China, and many white-collar workers are particularly fond of it. However, a study by the University of Hong Kong showed that the high mercury content in shark fin can cause male infertility. The presence of mercury in seafood is related to marine pollution, and sharks, being at the top of the marine food chain, often accumulate large amounts of pollutants and toxins in their bodies. In addition, sharks have a longer growth period than other fish, allowing them more time to absorb and accumulate toxic substances. Therefore, those who enjoy eating shark fin should also exercise moderation.

**Long-term consumption of contaminated food**

Long-term consumption of food contaminated with chemical agents is a significant factor contributing to decreased male fertility. Experts from the UK government's Medical Science Committee have found a link between decreased sperm count and testicular shrinkage in men over the past decade and substances such as octylphenol and butylbenzyl phthalate, which are widely used in food packaging and detergents. These chemicals have estrogenic effects and can inhibit testicular development and sperm formation. Furthermore, frequent consumption of food contaminated with chemical herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, or heavy metals such as copper, manganese, aluminum, cadmium, and lead can also affect sperm production and development, leading to infertility.

Therefore, it is clear that men must control their diet in order to have a healthy baby.

First, eat less or no food that is detrimental to reproductive health. Second, correct the habit of picky eating, achieve a balanced diet, and ensure sufficient intake of vitamins and trace elements. It is essential to correct the two extremes of nutritional deficiency and excess.

Author: Zhuang Qianzhu, Special Expert for Health Times