Questions posted in the
The Urology Forum have been answered by urologists from Henry Ford Health System and by Dr. Kevin Pho.
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Subject: Re: Low testosterone levels and testicular pain We have 2 boys, 15 and 11. Dad was recently found to have low testosterone levels (7) Our eldest has always been a concern. His right testicle stayed up inside til he was about 9. The doctor said don't worry because it can be moved down manually. At age 8, he had a circumcision. At 15, he is experienceing pain in his right testicle. After hospitalization for 2 days, it was decieded that surgery be posponed til after Christmas unless accute pain reoccurs. This sons testosterone level is 1. We were just informed today that our youngest also has very low testosterone levels and are waiting to see a pediatric urologist, pediatric endochronologist and a geneticist. I have no idean what we are dealing with. Can you help point us in the right direction of material or information? = Dear Concerned mom, Your questions are very difficult to answer over the computer. A simple physical examination and history would answer a lot of my questions. I know you had these testosterone levels drawn in a credible lab, but testosterone levels need to be drawn in the morning at around 8am. If these samples are not, and they usually are not, they dont mean a whole lot. Second, the hormones that stimulate testosterone production and sperm maturation (LH, FSH, T-7) are also important to consider. A physical exam looking for secondary sexual characteristics, the presence of the vas deferens is sufficient at this time. If your son is developing normally and has secondary hair growth, I would not be quite as concerned. Third, he is at an age where the testicles can become twisted (torsion). I would have a Pediatric Urologist or adult Urologist examine his testicle quite soon as a torsion can recur at any time and may have to be treated as an emergency. An ultrasound to determine if there is good flow to the testicles is important, but if there are any doubts, a simple exploration of the scrotum and attachment of the testicles to the inside wall of the scrotum is the safe option. If your childs right testicle were still up, this operation would also bring it down. It is also important to know if your child is sexually active: could he have an infection? Was his urine analysis negative? Overall, I think an appointment with a pediatric urologist would be a good idea. He or she could examine your two boys and determine if the other appointments with the geneticist and the endocrinologist are necessary. This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653-6568). Sincerely,
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