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Overview of Testicular Pain: Meaning, symptoms, causes and treatment

Team AckoJan 29, 2025

Testicular Pain (TP) can be a disturbing symptom. This is compounded by the fact that such pain could even mean an emergency, warranting immediate medical attention. Whether it’s a chronic ache or a sudden, sharp sensation, here is all you need to know about TP to take prompt action.

Contents

What Is Testicular Pain?
What Are The Symptoms Of Testicular Pain?
What Are The Causes Of Testicular Pain?
Is it Common to Experience Testicular Discomfort?
When Should Testicular Pain Be a Concern?
Who is at Higher Risk of Experiencing Testicular Pain?
Key Takeaway
Frequently Asked Questions
The Role of Insurance in Your Overall Wellbeing and Financial Planning

What Is Testicular Pain?

Testicular Pain is a condition characterised by discomfort in one or both of the testes that has been linked to many different causes.

The testicles or testes are the male reproductive organs. They are oval-shaped structures outside the abdomen in a sac called the scrotum. The main function of the testes is to produce testosterone (the male sex hormone) and sperm required for reproduction.

Pain can be acute (short duration since onset) or chronic (long-standing). Depending on the cause, the pain can be sharp or dull.

What Are The Symptoms Of Testicular Pain?

Here are some of the commonly associated symptoms seen in people with Testicular Pain:

Swelling: There can be swelling or lumps in the scrotal region on one or both sides. The swelling can be red, warm, and painful in case of an infection. The swelling may be soft (hydrocele) or complex (tumours) in consistency.
Radiating pain: TP can radiate down the leg(s) and to the back. Sometimes, it is associated with pain in another region that radiates into the scrotum (for example, kidney stones).
Urinary issues: TP can be associated with difficulty passing urine, a burning sensation when passing urine, decreased urine output, poor urinary stream, dribbling of urine, and a feeling of incomplete voiding. Sometimes, blood or pus may be present in the urine.
Local bruising: This can be seen in some cases of injury to the testicular region.
Fever: Fever is particularly seen when there are infectious causes and is also a sign of the infection spreading.
Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are commonly associated constitutional symptoms with many different causes of TP, like infections and kidney stones.

What Are The Causes Of Testicular Pain?

The treatment of TP varies widely depending on the cause, and both have been discussed in this section. Some of the most common causes of Testicular Pain are listed here.

1. Local injury

One of the most common causes of TP is trauma or injury to the region. As the testes are present outside the abdominal cavity and are only covered by a thin sac, they are susceptible to blunt force trauma, even accidentally. It can occur during exercise, playing sports, driving, etc.

The pain treatment that occurs due to trauma mainly involves the following:

Rest
Application of ice pack
Warm compression
Use of over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol
Supportive underwear, cups, etc.

2. Inflammation of the testes and surrounding structures

Infection and inflammation of the testes or the surrounding structures of the male reproductive system can present as TP.

Orchitis: Inflammation of the testes is referred to as orchitis. Orchitis can also be seen in children if they get mumps.
Epididymitis: The epididymis is a curved tube-like structure present behind the testis. This is a part of the male reproductive system. This can get infected, resulting in severe pain, swelling, and fever.

This can be an outcome of Urinary Tract Infections and Sexually Transmitted Diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and, less commonly, syphilis. This can also occur as a complication following any surgery of the nearby structures. It is diagnosed by clinical examination, and usually with the help of an Ultrasound scan.

The primary treatment for these infections is appropriate antibiotics. In addition, supportive treatment with fever reducers, painkillers, etc., can be given. Very rarely, surgical removal of these structures may be necessary. These procedures are only done as a last resort, as they can result in sterility.

3. Testicular torsion

Testicular torsion is a condition in which the testicular structures twist around themselves. The testes are suspended by cord-like structures called spermatic cords, which can twist around themselves, resulting in testicular torsion. When this occurs, the blood vessels that supply the testes can get blocked, causing permanent damage.

This occurs mainly in newborns, adolescents undergoing puberty & young adults up to 25. It presents with severe pain, vomiting, a change in position of the testis, and discolouration of the testis.

4. Hernia

An inguinal hernia is a protrusion of the contents of the abdomen (intestine, covering layers) through a weakened part of the abdominal wall. Inguinal or groin hernias can extend up to the base of the scrotum. If you have a hernia, it is better to schedule an elective surgical repair before it becomes complicated and lands you in trouble.

Usually, hernias are not associated with pain. However, when pain is associated with a hernia, it can be an indication of strangulation, where the blood supply to a part of the intestine is cut off, resulting in necrosis. Both testicular torsion and strangulation in hernia are surgical emergencies. Immediate operation is the only way to prevent life-threatening outcomes.

5. Kidney stones

Kidney stones can cause what is known as referred pain in the testicles. Although kidney stone pain is usually limited to the back and hips, Testicular Pain may also occur.

6. Swelling of the scrotum

The treatment for the following conditions primarily involves surgical repair.

Hydrocele: A hydrocele is a collection of clear fluid between the layers surrounding the testis. It is usually painless, but it can cause Testicular Pain if it becomes infected.
Spermatocele: A spermatocele is a cystic (fluid-filled), non-cancerous swelling that forms near the epididymis behind the testis. These are usually painless, but larger lesions can cause testicular discomfort due to compression of the nearby structures.
Varicocele: A varicocele is a swelling that occurs due to abnormal engorgement of the veins that drain the testes. It is associated with pain, swelling, and heaviness, with pain relief noted when lying down. Varicoceles can also cause infertility in men.

7. Cancer

Testicular cancer presents with a swelling or lump of one or both testes often hard in consistency, sharp shooting pain in the testes, dull aching abdominal pain, and a feeling of heaviness in the groin with lower back pain. Testicular cancers usually affect those between the age group of 15-35 years.

The prognosis depends upon the type of testicular cancer. Treatment involves surgery, which is usually the removal of the affected testis, resulting in infertility. Chemotherapy and radiation are also used successfully in the treatment of testicular cancers.

8. Post-vasectomy Pain Syndrome (PVPS)

Most men already have a lot of misconceptions about vasectomies, such as that they affect sex drive or make sex less enjoyable. While these may not be true, the procedure isn't relatively painless for a small group of patients. They may develop long-standing, sometimes debilitating pain in the testicular and genital region, referred to as PVPS. Patients present with the following.

Continuous, dull pain
Pain in physical activity
Pain on engaging in sexual intercourse/gaining an erection
Pain on ejaculation

Is it Common to Experience Testicular Discomfort?

Certainly, experiencing testicular discomfort is a relatively common occurrence. Testicular pain can be caused by various reasons ranging from temporary issues like minor injuries, strains, or infections to some serious implications like Testicular cancer.

A common cause of testicular pain is often caused by a bacterial infection, Epididymitis, which leads to inflammation of the epididymis. Increased scrotum veins, similar to varicose veins in legs, can also cause it. This condition is known as Varicocele. But there could also be urgent cases like Testicular torsion, the twisted spermatic cuts off blood flow, causing severe pain requiring immediate medical attention.

While occasional, mild discomfort may result from overexertion or temporary strain from physical activities like cycling or running can resolve without treatment, persistent or severe pain should not be taken lightly and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

When Should Testicular Pain Be a Concern?

Usually, the testicular pain that is caused by temporary issues is not a concerning situation; it can be resolved on its own, but if the pain is intense, persists longer than a few hours, or is accompanied by symptoms like swelling, fever, or nausea, it becomes a medical emergency.

Persistent or sudden can be a symptom of testicular torsion or epididymitis, and if the pain is recurring, with a lump or abnormal growth, it could be an early sign of testicular cancer. You should be concerned and seek medical help for persistent testicular pain; ignoring testicular pain can lead to complications. Remember, being proactive about testicular pain can save you from complications and unnecessary stress.

Who is at Higher Risk of Experiencing Testicular Pain?

Testicular pain is caused by various reasons, each of which may affect different age groups in distinct ways. Specific individuals are prone to experiencing testicular pain due to specific conditions, lifestyle factors, or activities. People actively participating in sports or cycling are at greater risk of testicular injuries due to overexertion or physical trauma. Young men under the age of 25 or teenagers are at a higher risk of testicular torsion.

In contrast, sexually active individuals are more susceptible to infections like epididymitis, a bacterial infection often linked to STIs. Testicular pain can also be hereditary; men with a personal or family history of varicocele, hernias, or testicular cancer are also at high risk. Understanding these risk factors can help individuals take preventive measures and seek prompt care, ensuring better long-term testicular health.

Key Takeaway

Testicular pain refers to discomfort or pain in one or both testicles. It can stem from various causes, including injury, infection, or conditions like epididymitis, torsion, or hernia. Symptoms may include sharp or dull pain, swelling, and tenderness. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing the condition effectively. Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause and may involve medications, antibiotics, or surgery in severe cases. It's essential to seek medical attention if experiencing persistent testicular pain, as some causes, like testicular torsion, require immediate intervention to prevent complications. Regular check-ups help maintain testicular health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a list of common questions and answers surrounding Testicular Pain.

Is Testicular Pain fixable?

Many causes of Testicular Pain are easily fixable if treatment is started promptly.

When should I visit a doctor regarding Testicular Pain?

Any sudden, severe Testicular Pain warrants an immediate visit to the emergency room.

What is a basic preemptive measure I should take regarding Testicular Pain?

A simple self-examination of the testes to check for lumps and visiting the doctor promptly can also go a long way in avoiding a situation where the pain becomes unbearable.

Can testicular pain worsen at specific times or in certain positions?

Yes, testicular pain can vary based on body position or activity. For example, conditions like varicocele may cause pain that eases when lying down, as it reduces pressure on the veins. Conversely, standing for long periods or intense physical activity may increase discomfort due to added pressure. Certain positions may strain nearby nerves, worsening the pain. If certain activities trigger pain, avoid them and consult a doctor.

Can a sedentary lifestyle cause testicular pain?

Yes, prolonged sitting with poor posture can compress nerves and blood vessels in the pelvic area, leading to testicular pain. This can also impair blood flow, worsening conditions like varicocele. Take regular breaks, walk around, and maintain good posture to reduce the risk. If pain persists or intensifies, seek medical advice.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. Please consult a doctor before making any health-related decisions.

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