Pain in testicles and scrotum: What's it, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention
Testicle pain; Pain – testicle; Orchalgia; Epididymitis; Orchitis
Testicular pain can affect any man, young or old, and is a common and annoying problem. Testicular pain can range from mild to severe, and there are many potential reasons. In some cases, pain in the testicles requires a call to emergency medical care., so it is important to understand, when to see a doctor and what treatment may be needed.
What is testicular pain?
Pain in testicles, also known as scrotal pain, is discomfort or pain in one or both testicles. It can happen suddenly or gradually and can range from mild to severe. Some men may also experience scrotum pain., pouch, surrounding testicles, in the groin or abdomen. Testicular pain can be caused by a wide range of disorders., from minor injuries or infections to more serious illnesses.
Causes of pain in the testicles
Testicles are very sensitive. Even a minor injury can cause pain. In some cases, abdominal pain may occur before testicular pain..
Testicular pain can have many causes., including infections, injury or more serious illness. Some of the most common causes of testicular pain:
- Early.
- Infection or swelling of the seminal ducts (epididymitis) or testicles (orchitis).
- Testicular cancer is almost always painless. But any lump in the testicular area should be checked by your doctor., regardless of Togo, is there pain.
- Trauma, e.g. sports injury or heavy lifting.
- Varicocele - swollen veins inside the scrotum.
- inguinal hernia, caused by weakening of the abdominal wall.
- Testicular torsion, which can lead to interruption of the blood supply (testicular torsion). Most common in young men over the age of 10 to 20 years. This condition requires urgent medical attention. If the operation is carried out within 4 hours, most testicles can be saved.
Mild pain may be caused by a buildup of fluid in the scrotum, eg:
- Dilated veins of the scrotum (varicocele).
- Epididymal cyst, which often contains dead sperm (spermatocele).
- Fluid, surrounding testis (Hydrocele).
- Testicular pain can also be caused by a hernia or kidney stones..
Symptoms of pain in the testicles
The most common symptom of testicular pain is discomfort or pain in one or both testicles.. Some men may experience acute, twisting pain, while others may feel a dull ache. In some cases, pain may radiate from the testicles to the scrotum., pah or life. Depending on the cause, other symptoms may include fever, swollen lymph nodes or testicular swelling.
When to see a doctor
It is important to seek medical attention, if you are experiencing pain in the testicles. Testicular pain can sometimes be a sign of a medical emergency. (testicular torsion), and should be assessed by a medical professional. If you are experiencing any other symptoms, such as fever, nausea, vomiting or difficulty urinating, or if you experience sudden severe pain in your testicles, it is important to see a doctor immediately.
Questions, that your doctor may ask
When you visit your doctor, he will ask you questions about testicular pain, eg, When she started, what does it look like and do you have any other symptoms. He may also ask about your medical history., any recent injury or illness, as well as any medications, that you take.
Your doctor will examine your groin, testicles and abdomen. He'll ask you questions about pain, such as:
- How long have you had testicle pain?? Did it start suddenly or slowly?
- Where do you feel the pain? On one or both sides?
- How bad is the pain? Is it constant or comes and goes?
- Does the pain radiate to the abdomen or back??
- Have you had any injuries?
- Have you ever been sexually infected?
- You have discharge from the urethra?
- Do you have any other symptoms, such as edema, redness, discoloration of urine, fever or unexpected weight loss?
Testicular pain diagnosis
Your doctor may use various tests, to diagnose the cause of testicular pain. The following tests can be performed:
- Testicular ultrasound
- Urinalysis and urine culture
- Prostate secretion testing
- CT or other imaging tests
- Urinalysis for infections, Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Testicular biopsy
Treatment for testicular pain
Treatment for testicular pain depends on the underlying cause. If it's due to an infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If it is associated with a varicocele or inguinal hernia, the doctor may recommend surgery to repair the affected area. In some cases, testicular torsion may require urgent surgical treatment.. For testicular cancer, a doctor may recommend surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Home treatment for testicular pain
If the pain in the testicles is mild, some home treatments can help. These include:
- Recreation. Avoid actions, that aggravate the pain.
- Applying ice: apply an ice pack to 20 minutes every hour for the first few days.
- Taking ibuprofen. Ibuprofen, dropped without a prescription, may help reduce pain and swelling.
- Wearing loose underwear. This will help relieve discomfort.
- Avoid activities, requiring weight lifting: this includes sports and exercise.
Prevention of testicular pain
In some cases, testicular pain can be prevented., by following a few simple steps. These steps include:
- Wearing a supportive sports cup during sports to prevent injury.
- Checking the testicles regularly for lumps or abnormalities
- Avoid tight clothing and underwear.
- Avoid dangerous activities, that can lead to injuries.
- Seek immediate medical attention, if there is pain in the testicles.
Testicular pain can be an unpleasant and even debilitating condition.. It is important to understand the potential causes of testicular pain and when to seek medical attention. If testicular pain is not treated, it can lead to more serious medical complications. It is important to see a doctor, to determine the cause and get the most effective treatment.
Used sources and literature
Matsumoto AM, Anawalt BD. Testicular disorders. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 19.
McGowan CC. Prostatitis, epididymitis, and orchitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 110.
Pontari M. Inflammatory and pain conditions of the male genitourinary tract: prostatitis and related pain conditions, orchitis, and epididymitis. In: Party AW, Domochowski RR, Kavousi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 56.