Diagnosis
From the symptoms provided by the patient and from the physical examination, it may be concluded that the patient is experiencing testicular torsion. This condition is common among individuals of ages 12 to 16. The major symptoms of this condition include nausea or vomiting, lightheadedness, swelling within one side of the scrotum, and paining of one of the testicles. The pain experienced due to testicular torsion may occur without a previous predisposing event. For the case of the patient, he denied recent trauma or illness that may have contributed to the condition. The patient complained about the acute onset of right testicular pain. He was also nauseated. From the physical examination, it was evident that the affected testicle was red, swollen, and tender. The absence of cremasteric reflex also confirms the presence of testicular torsion (Ringdahl & Teague, 2006).
Immediate intervention and future plans
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are necessary in order to save the testicle. Immediate intervention for testicular torsion involves corrective surgery. However, corrective surgery is not required in some instances. In such cases, manual rotation of the testicle in the opposite direction is used to correct the condition. If surgery is required, it should be done within a few hours after diagnosis in order to preserve the testicle. In order to prevent the recurrence in future, certain surgical procedures should be performed. It mainly involves the stitching of the testicle on the scrotum. This would help prevent rotation. This is mainly due to the fact that the unaffected testicle is at risk of testicular torsion (Lavallee & Cash, 2005).
Risks of complication in the future
Research has shown that testicular torsion is likely to recur in the future for individuals who have had previous experiences of the same condition (Callewaert & Kerrebroeck, 2010). It is particularly so if the testicular pain goes away without treatment. It is also possible for the unaffected testicle to be affected in future. Testicular torsion can occur. In case testicular torsion appears in the future and it is not treated fast enough, it is possible for the testicle to be permanently damaged due to lack of circulation (blood supply) in the area. When such patients suffer from complications, it is possible for them to damage the testes permanently and lose the ability to father children.
Absence of cremasteric reflex
The absence of cremasteric reflex implies that certain natural reactions do not occur. This is the immediate contraction of the cremaster muscle following the stroking of particular areas of the thighs. The contraction of this muscle causes the pulling up of the testes on the side where the stroking has been done. This process is initiated when the sensory and motor fibers are stimulated during stroking. This reflex action is usually exaggerated in younger individuals and may lead to misdiagnosis. It is mainly an indication of the presence of testicular torsion. Therefore, the absence of this reflex action may indicate that the individual is experiencing testicular torsion. However, the presence of this reflex action does not necessarily mean that testicular torsion is not present. Furthermore, this condition may also be caused by other conditions, such as those of the spinal cord and disorders of the lower and upper motor neurons (Wampler & Llanes, 2010).
Effects of Estrogen on the Female Reproductive Organ
Estrogen is a group of hormones produced by the female reproductive organ. They are useful in ensuring the development and maturation of the organ. They also facilitate the functioning of the organ. These hormones have varied effects on the female reproductive organ. The areas that are particularly affected include the vagina, the fallopian tubes, ovaries, the mammary glands, and the womb. Estrogen is useful for the growth of the egg follicle. It also stimulates the pituitary gland in order to cause the release of specific hormones responsible for the development of the follicle. After the release of the egg, it finds its way to the uterus via the fallopian tubes. However, for this process to be successful, estrogens need to be involved. They help develop the thick muscular wall and cause contractions that help in the transportation of both the ovum and sperms.
Effects of Progesterone on the Female Reproductive Organ
This hormone also affects the female reproductive organ in several ways. It is produced by the adrenal glands, ovary and placenta. Its main function is to regulate the condition of the inner walls of the uterus. Progesterone is vital in the reproduction process since it prepares the lining of the womb in order to ensure that the fertilized egg would be accepted. It also facilitates the implantation and development of the egg. If an adhering egg is to be rejected, this hormone also causes contractions to facilitate the process. After the fertilized egg is implanted, it forms the placenta, which would facilitate the production of progesterone during pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized, the production of the hormone is minimized so that the wall does not continue growing and finally breaking down during the menstruation period. This hormone is also important in the development of mammary glands that produce milk for the newborn.
References
Callewaert, P., Kerrebroeck, P. (2010). New insights into perinatal testicular torsion. European Journal of Pediatrics, 169(6), 705–712.
Lavallee, M., & Cash, J. (2005). Testicular torsion: Evaluation and management. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 4(2), 102–104.
Ringdahl, E., & Teague, L. (2006). Testicular torsion. American Family Physician, 74(10), 1739–1743.
Wampler, S., & Llanes, M. (2010). Common scrotal and testicular problems. Primary Care, 37(3), 613–626.