Anatomy and Physiology

The testes are two glands suspended within a sac of skin called the scrotum. They are composed of a large number of seminiferous tubules. The testes have two main functions: formation, development and excretion of sperm (occur in seminiferous tubules), and secretion of testosterone.

FSH from the anterior pituitary stimulates the creation and development of sperm. Sperm consist of a head, neck, body, and tail. The nuclear material in the head is responsible for fertilizing the egg. Sperm formation starts when a boy is approximately 13 years old. They need a temperature of 95° to develop properly and that is why they are located outside the main body cavity. The smooth muscle in the wall of the scrotum can somewhat regulate temperature by contracting and bringing the testes closer to the body when cold and relaxing when too warm. Sperm continue to mature and are stored in the epididymus, which rests on the posterior surface of the testes and in the vas deferens and its ampulla. Each ml. of semen will contain on the average 120,000,000 sperm and since the average ejaculation is 3.5ml., it contains about 400,000,000 sperm.

LH secreted from the anterior pituitary stimulates testosterone production and secretion by the interstitial cells of Leydig. These cells make up 20% of the mass of the adult male testes.

Testosterone can be synthesized from cholesterol and is present in males and females, though in much larger quantities in males. In puberty, testosterone has the following functions:

1) Causes growth of penis, scrotum, testes, prostate

2) Growth of facial, axillary, pubic, leg, and arm hair

3) Enlarges the larynx and deepens the voice

4) Increases skin thickness, muscular development, protein production, bone thickness, ligamentous growth

5) Increases deposition of calcium salts in bone and closing of bony epiphyses

The adrenal glands also produce testosterone. Testosterone production decreases after age forty but will continue somewhat throughout life. It is broken down in the liver and its byproducts excreted in the urine and feces.

Symptoms of Testes Dysfunction

1) Infertility due to decreased number of sperm
2) Poor muscle and ligamentous development
3) Brittle bones
4) Due to its relationship to the piriformis muscle some men with testes dysfunction develop sciatica. A strong piriformis muscle stops the pelvis from torquing anteriorly. If the piriformis is weak, the pelvis will rock anterior on that side, and put pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Causes of Testes Dysfunction

1) Improperly working pituitary gland (see pituitary chapter)

2) Overworked liver being unable to breakdown excess testosterone (see liver chapter to see how it gets overtaxed)

3) Not dressing warmly enough in cold weather can cause the testes to decrease in size by 50%. If this becomes a habit it could cause dysfunction.

4) Wearing pants or underwear that are too tight, or taking very hot baths, can increase testicular temperature and retard sperm development.

5) Hypothyroidism and hypoadrenia have been shown to alter testicular function.

6) Low back, and colon x-ray without shielding the testes can possibly injure them.

7) Nerve pressure in the lumbar and sacral areas (see Appendix A)

8) In animal experiments, taking of epinephrine (humans have it prescribed in acute asthma and as an ingredient in pain injections) will decrease sperm development, reduce sex drive, and cause degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules.

Other Indications of Testes Dysfunction

1) One of the following muscles may exhibit weakness on manual muscle testing: piriformis, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius. (see Appendix C and figures 5.1, 5.2, 5.3).

Prevention and Treatment of Testes Dysfunction

1) Check for pituitary, adrenal, thyroid, and liver dysfunction and correct them as needed (see respective chapters).

2) Make sure testes are properly shielded during x-ray.

3) The same reflex points listed in ovary treatment #13 are good for the testes (see Appendix B).

4) Especially if sciatica or low back pain is also present see a good chiropractor to remove nerve pressure (see Appendix A).

5) Dress warmly and don’t wear clothing too tight.

6) Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine. Minimize sugar intake and avoid epinephrine type drugs if possible.

7) A cold compress for 5 minutes followed by a hot compress for 10 minutes and another cold compress for 5 minutes once daily applied to either the lumbar spine or inner thighs is reported to stimulate testicular function.

8) Sunlight striking the scrotum and penis will stimulate testosterone production. Sunlight in general is beneficial but striking these areas it is especially helpful.

9) Kelp and saw palmetto are supposed to aid testicular function.

10) Chickweed and/or mullein in poultice form is supposed to aid swollen testes.

11) Testosterone is sometimes given as a medication to treat eunuchism, impotence, and prevention of post pregnancy breast pain in women. Give much consideration before deciding to take this medication. Taken by females side effects can include masculinization, beard growth, enlarged clitoris, deepening of the voice, menstrual irregularities, balding. In males side effects can include inhibition of testicular function, testicular atrophy. Side effects that can occur in both males and females include acne, chills, decreased number of white blood cells, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, increased cholesterol levels.