I've got hypogonadism which means that I've got very low T levels that are in the post castration level. I've also noticed that my testicles have shrunk noticeably over the years. For the past few years I've also had chronic testicle pain. Soemtimes it worse then others and now it seems to be back for another extrended visit. Lately it's made it difficult to sleep. I know I should go see my family doc about this. Any suggestions what to say?

I'm confused. How can you be diagnosed as having hypogonadism? Didn't you post that you were working with your shrink and using castration drugs? Maybe try getting off them to let your testicles recover (If they can) and go from there. The chronic pain might be because of that.

Whatever you do, be upfront and honest and don't make your doctor guess whats going on. They can make a wrong guess and really do harm.

In the meantime try scrotal supports, ice (Frozen peas work great)

Insomnia is a common problem. I have that myself when I'm under a lot of stress. Tylanole? (Spexled?) PM helps. You might ask for Ambian but thats a short term thing you don't want to use daily. More like "emergency knockout" once in a blue moon drug.

Your testicules pain might be caused by some other problem such as lower back injury. I don't know why you want to reduce the size of testies. If you go on with chemical castration to reduce them, by the time you reach your goal (it'll take years), then you'll create greater problems such as chronic arthritis wich is one common side effect. You'll have to take anti inflammatory pills fore ever. It's too late for me, not only I must take anti inflammatory meds I'm also on testosteron replacement therapy. It's a big price to pay to have smaller testies.

In looking at your various posts, I have to say that if you have secondary hypogonadism , it is likely self inflicted from using T blocking drugs.

The testicle pain may well be atrophy at work. Long term use of T blockers of any type can cause the testicles to shut down, and once they do , they tend to atrophy. Individual results vary but some lose as much as 50 % of size in the first year.

Only a good urologist will agree to run any tests to see what is going on. You need to be honest about the T blockers, and be prepared to stop using them to see if the pain clears up.

You may already have done enough damage that the pain will only increase with time.

There are very few options open to men with chronic testicle pain. Regular nerve blocks, possibly acupuncture, or removal are the only really successful remedies.

In a prior post you said that your T level was 115, that should be enough to keep osteoporosis at bay, but won't do much for libido.

You must truly examine the real reasons behind what you are doing, and get to the point of knowing the real answer. Once you have, you can decide what route you should pursue.

Most doctors are very hesitant to removal painful tesicles, even if they are NOT doing their job. Its no easy task to achieve.

Ray

raymar2020 (imported) wrote: Fri Dec 25, 2009 9:28 am You must truly examine the real reasons behind what you are doing, and get to the point of knowing the real answer. Once you have, you can decide what route you should pursue.

Most doctors are very hesitant to removal painful tesicles, even if they are NOT doing their job. Its no easy task to achieve.

Ray

115ng/dL is going to make it hard to function. I would be very concerned about issues of depression and some health issues. I would start talking to a doctor about using Calcium and Vitamin D to avoid (possible) bone loss.

This is great advise and I would add that speaking to a shrink could help you understand and confront what your dealing with. I've seen one and a good one can be a great positive resource.

Be safe, don't dabble with drugs without being under a doctors supervision. Testosterone blockers in the wrong doses can do damage to your liver or even the control part of the brain that regulates hormones. Tell your doctor about any drugs you take and ask him/her to insure your not doing damage. Or better yet, don't use these types of drugs.