Andrology-Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Effect of Seasonality on Occurrence of Testicular Torsion and the Resulting Endocrine and Exocrine Testicular Function

Ronen Rub, Muhammad Majdoub*

Testicular torsion is characterized by acute onset of testicular pain and swelling, due to twisting of the spermatic cord and its contents. This serious urological condition requires prompt presentation by the patient, followed by prompt diagnosis and urgent surgical exploration within 4-8 hours, to avoid irreversible ischemic damage. The main factors determining testicular salvage are duration since symptom onset and degree of torsion. Whether surgical orchiectomy or orchiopexy was performed to preserve the affected testis, reports on postoperative testicular endocrine and exocrine function, indicate possible negative impact on fertility. Several studies following testicular torsions, even in those treated with orchiopexy, have shown evidence of significantly impaired exocrine testicular function (spermatogenesis), as measured by semen parameter changes (e.g., decreased sperm motility or morphology and reduced overall sperm count to a subfertility classification). Testicular torsion onset is infrequent with an annual incidence of 4.5 per 100,000 males <18 years old. Whereas, etiology of testicular torsion is not completely elucidated, several reports have shown seasonal variability in testicular torsion events, with a positive association between colder weather temperatures and onset of testicular torsion symptoms. Although seasonality of testicular torsion is inconclusive and controversial, several large studies conducted in different climates have indicated a clear correlation between increased frequency of testicular torsion to decreased ambient temperatures, suggesting they may play a role in the etiology of testicular torsion.

Published Date: 2025-07-26; Received Date: 2023-09-11