Low Hanging Testicles

The male scrotum has always been a point of interest to me. I mean, let’s face it. They are like snowflakes. No two are ever the same. When I began researching this article, I learned so much about the scrotum that I never knew. For instance, the testicles are not just floating around in there. I had no idea they are actually suspended in the scrotum by the spermatic cords and are not held up by the scrotum itself. These cords expand and contract in response to the temperature of the testicles. Which brings me to another little factoid of interest. Did you know that the testicles, in order to create healthy sperm, must maintain a temperature roughly two degrees cooler than your body temperature of 98.6 degrees? This is why, when its cold, the scrotum will bunch up. This brings the testes closer to the body to warm them up to their ideal temperature. When it’s warm, the spermatic cords expand allowing the testes to drop further away from the body in order to cool them down.

Temperature and the position of the testes play a huge role in male scrotal health. Cryptorchidism, or undescended testicles can cause such problems as male infertility or sterility. This condition also drastically increases the risk of testicular cancer when left untreated into adolescence. Cryptorchidism most often affects premature infants although a small percentage of full term babies are also afflicted by undescended testicles. The good news is, of the 30% of premature infants with this condition, 80% of them experience spontaneous descent during the first year. And, of the 3% of full term babies with undescended testicles, 50% descend within the first month.

The treatment for Cryptorchidism can include both hormonal and surgical pathways. No matter which path is chosen, the best outcome occurs when treatment is completed between 6 and 24 months of age.

The polar opposite of the undescended testicle issue is that of low hanging testicles, commonly referred to as, “low hangers.” This condition normally progresses with age as the spermatic cords relax and the scrotum enlarges. Scrotum enlargement can cause irritation to the scrotum and inner thighs. Some men may find it difficult to wear tight clothes or underwear as low hanger testicles develop. Many men can suffer from low body image because they dislike the appearance of the low hanging scrotum.

There are ways to combat complications from low hanger testicles. During exercise or athletic activity, a jock strap may help hold the scrotum in place in order to avoid excessive rubbing on the inner thighs or pain from the constant movement of the scrotum. If the problem is more severe, there are surgical alternatives where a surgeon will actually reduce the size of the scrotum to allow for more comfort. This procedure still maintains the normal shape of the scrotum thus improving body image as well.

Low hanging testicles are not a problem for everyone. In fact, there is a population that actually prefers the look and feel of a larger fuller looking scrotum. There are pump devices available in adult stores and online to help stretch the spermatic cords to allow for a lower hanging scrotum if you prefer. There are also extension devices that can be worn virtually undetected throughout the day that helps to stretch the scrotal sac. However, if you chose to use any of these devices, please read the instructions carefully and completely. Improper use can result in permanent injury to what most men I know consider their most prized possession.

Marcy Bush - i-Supplements.com Chief Editor