Pain in the testicle can have several causes, from infections to injuries. Sometimes, testicular pain can be a medical emergency. Learn about the possible causes of testicular pain, as well as when to see a doctor.
Epididymitis
An infection such as epididymitis can cause pain in the testicle. Epididymitis is an infection of the epididymis, the organ where sperm matures before exiting the body. Symptoms of epididymitis:
- pain that gradually increases - scrotum that is warm to the touch - swelling
Sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause epididymitis. Urinary tract infections can also lead to epididymitis. Doctors usually treat this condition with antibiotics.
Every
A hernia or hernia occurs when tissue passes through a weak part of the abdominal muscles. An inguinal hernia is one type of hernia that can slide into the scrotum, causing pain and swelling of the testicles. Doctors can reduce or return an inguinal hernia back into place. If that doesn't work, they can treat it with surgery.
Kidney stones
Kidney stones can cause pain that is reflected in the testicles. Other symptoms that doctors may associate with kidney stones are:
- blood in the urine - burning when urinating - nausea - pain at the tip of the penis - sharp pain that can spread from the back to the groin - frequent urination - vomiting Doctors may advise waiting for the kidney stones to pass. However, if the stone has not passed after some time or the person starts experiencing symptoms of infection, such as fever or discharge, treatment should be started as soon as possible.
Treatments may include surgery to remove the stone or radiation to break up the stones.
Orchitis
Fatigue and fever are possible symptoms of orchitis. Orchitis is an infection and inflammation of the testicles. Untreated epididymitis can lead to orchitis.
Symptoms of orchitis may include:
- fatigue - fever - nausea - testicle pain - swelling of one or both testicles - vomiting
Treatment for orchitis should be sought immediately. Sometimes the pain can be so severe that it is similar to testicular torsion, which is an emergency medical intervention. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections. When a virus is causing orchitis, they may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, rest, and scrotal elevation.
Testicular torsion
Tosia is a twisting of the testicles and the vas deferens, the tube that brings blood to the scrotum. Reduced blood flow causes sudden and often severe pain and swelling. It occurs most often in young men, usually those younger than 25 years old. The symptoms that doctors associate with testicular torsion are:
- nausea - redness or darkening of the scrotum - sudden, severe pain that appears on one side of the scrotum - swelling in the scrotum - vomiting
Testicular torsion pain is not always sudden. Some people with this condition experience pain that slowly worsens over several days. According to the American Urological Association, testicular torsion usually occurs on the left side more than the right.
Treatment involves surgery and in rare cases, if the surgeon cannot repair the torsion, the testicle is removed.
Typically, testicular torsion only affects one testicle, so removal does not affect a person's fertility.
Anyone with symptoms of testicular torsion should seek immediate medical attention. Without treatment, any condition that affects blood flow can result in loss of the testicles or surrounding tissues.
Trauma
A blow to the testicles can cause bruising, pain and swelling. The testicle can also rupture. A hematocele occurs when blood collects around the testicle and presses on it, affecting blood flow. If a person has felt a blow to the testicles and feels pain and swelling, it is best to seek immediate medical attention.
Varicocele
Varicocele can cause pain during physical activity. Varicoceles are abnormally large or twisted veins in the testicles. Sometimes varicoceles do not cause any symptoms. A person may notice testicular pain that worsens with physical activity or during the day. Varicoceles can also affect fertility.
Doctors don't know what causes varicoceles, but they can usually be treated with surgery.
Testicular tumor
The tumor may cause pain and swelling in the testicle area. Other symptoms may include: - dull pain in the groin - lump in the testicle - swelling
The symptoms of a testicular tumor can resemble some other conditions that affect men, such as inguinal hernias and epididymitis.
When to see a doctor
It is best to see a doctor if any of the following symptoms accompany testicular pain:
- discoloration of the testicles - nausea - unusual, bloody or cloudy discharge from the penis - swelling of the testicles - vomiting - pain that worsens over time
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