Final answer:
Loss of testicle can lead to infertility due to physical damage, anti-sperm antibodies, and testicular inflammation caused by conditions like mumps.
Step-by-step explanation:
A loss of testicle can lead to infertility due to various factors:
- Physical damage to the testes and other parts of the male reproductive tract can occur from injuries. This can result in a decrease in sperm production or blockage of the male reproductive tract, preventing sperm from being ejaculated.
- An injury to the testicles can breach the barrier of Sertoli cells, allowing the creation of anti-sperm antibodies. These antibodies can interfere with the sperm's ability to move or fertilize an egg, leading to immune infertility.
- Testicular inflammation caused by conditions like mumps can also result in testicular damage and infertility.
It is important to note that infertility can also be caused by various other factors, such as heavy alcohol use, smoking, medication, and advancing age.