Embarassing Question

[Steve's Sweety]

I was going to ask the OB/GYN, but it's about as embarrasing to do that, so I just thought I'd see if anyone here knows.

Can an injury to a man's testicles render him unable or unlikely to reproduce?

I'm talking like, oh, getting nailed down there with a paintball from a paintball gun at somewhat close range, not like getting sliced with a kitchen knife. ;)

[jennylou]

It can certainly hurt. Did a quick google search and several websites indicate severe injuries can cause problems.

[Pookie]

Our RE had said it would take a very severe injury.

[HGMorgann]

Men also have two, so if one was injured, the other one would still function. Severe trauma can cause temporary low sperm counts as they recover (per Dh's urologist - he just asked him today about another issue...)

[snowzilla]

Your paintball "scenario" had me rolling on the floor (possibly because my hubby plays paintball). ;)

Um, I went to high school with a guy who lost a testicle in a very unfortunate dirt biking incident, which involved him hitting a bad bump, flying up in the air, and, well, landing on the cap of the gas tank. They had to carry him to the hospital. Poor guy. Anyways, he went on to get married and have a family, without any issues - so I guess one was still as good as two, in his case. :p

[Pineknot]

Tish,

I don't think it's a dumb question at all. There are so many variables, I really think it's a hard question to answer.

I have a girlfriend who took many years to get pregnant. Her husband had had a hernia from a fall and the doctor felt that was a part of their problem. They didn't pursue answers, because she became pregnant when they first started seeking help.

I wouldn't be embarrassed at all, asking the dr. that. :)

[Steve's Sweety]

Thanks for the replies.

I didn't google it because I was afraid I'd find all kinds of bad things. ;)
I will probably call and ask the nurse at the OB just to get their take on it and so they are aware of what happened.