Causes Of Male Hypogonadism

Male hypogonadism is a problem in which a man’s testicles are unable to produce either testosterone hormone or sperm. In some cases testicles are unable to produce both of these. A newborn child can also suffer from hypogonadism. Male hypogonadism can also affect the boys who have attained the age of puberty or adulthood. In this condition the affected person faces erectile dysfunction problem. His breast can develop like that of a woman. There are many causes of male hypogonadism. Some of these causes are mentioned below.

When testicles are injured, it can result in hypogonadism. Since testicles are situated outside man’s body (below the abdomen and which seem to hang from the base of the penis), they are more likely to get injured. Testicles are very sensitive organs which can’t bear even the slightest of injuries. Thus when testicles get hurt damage is caused to them. And if it is not treated immediately it may cause hypogonadism. Cricketers cover their testicles with a testicle cover to prevent their testicles from any injury.

If there is any problem in the brain of a man, it can cause him hypogonadism. As for example when hypothalamus develops abnormally, it gives rise to Kallmann syndrome. Klinefelter’s syndrome is another cause of male hypogonadism.

When the pituitary gland in your brain starts malfunctioning, it affects the testicles. This is because the pituitary gland sends signals to the testicles to produce testosterone hormones. Pituitary tumor or tumors located near the pituitary gland are also responsible for male hypogonadism.

When a man undergoes a brain tumor surgery or a radiation therapy, he may suffer from hypogonadism because in such cases pituitary gland is affected. Also, when a man passes through radiation therapy or chemotherapy, his sperm and testosterone production capacity gets disabled. In some cases men become permanently infertile. However, in some cases they may regain their fertility post treatment.

Iron is good for your health but if it is present in your blood in excess quantity, it can result in testicular problem and pituitary gland disorder and can lead to hypogonadism. This cause is also known as hemochromatosis.

Apart from the above mentioned causes of hypogonadism, there are various other causes such as mumps orchitis, undescended testicles, AIDS, obesity etc.