Understanding Testicle Pain Symptoms
The testicles are egg-shaped reproductive organs in the scrotum. A sudden injury, inflammation, sexually transmitted diseases, or an emergency condition like testicular torsion may cause testicular pain. It may cause symptoms like dull aches in the scrotum condition, often along with swelling.
Pressure in the testicles may also be a symptom of more severe conditions, such as cancer of the testicles. Let's explore testicle pain symptoms in depth to understand causes, treatments, and preventive tips.
What is Testicular Pain?
Testicular pain refers to pain or irritation in either or both testicles. It can be sharp or chronic, dull or sharp, or a feeling of pain or discomfort. If you have testicular pain, you can sense it in one or both of the testicles.
However, the pain may not be coming from the testicles. It may come from another part of your body, such as your stomach or groin. Testicular pain can be acute (sudden and short) or chronic (gradual and long-lasting). Aside from the sharp pain of a sudden injury, your first symptom may be a dull ache that increases with time or activity.
Causes of Testicular Pain
Many conditions cause testicular pain. Explore the list to understand what causes testicular pain and swelling in men.
Epididymitis
Inflammation of the epididymis, which is the coiled tubes at the back of the testicles that store sperm. It makes the scrotum red and swollen and causes testicular pain on one side that gradually worsens. The other symptoms seen are painful urination, blood in the semen, and pain in the pelvic and lower abdominal region. It is most commonly caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Testicular Torsion
It is a medical emergency that occurs when the testicles twist, causing the spermatic cord (which carries blood to the scrotum) to twist. This cuts off the testicles' blood flow which causes sudden pain and swelling.
Trauma or Physical Injury
Any trauma to the testicles during a fight, accident, or sport can lead to pain. Any blunt wound can cause bruising and swelling of the testicle.
Inguinal Hernias
It is a condition in which the intestines protrude through the groin area and slide into the scrotum. It causes testicular swelling and discomfort.
Epididymal Hypertension
Epididymal Hypertension is known as blue balls. It causes pain and discomfort in the testicles because of a prolonged erection without orgasm. It is not a severe condition.
Orchitis
Orchitis is inflammation of the testicles. Bacteria or viruses can cause it, which are commonly associated with mumps and STDs. It causes tenderness in the scrotum, painful urination, a swollen scrotum, and an enlarged prostate.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
UTI in men causes painful urination, pain in the lower abdomen and near the groin, frequent urination, and blood in the urine.
Spermatocele
A spermatocele, also called a spermatic or epididymal cyst, is a benign cyst that occurs near the testicle. It cannot be seen visually, but it can be felt. Although spermatocele doesn't cause any symptoms at first, it causes pain and discomfort as the cyst grows.
Varicocele
That is the enlargement of the veins inside the scrotum. It causes a sharp to dull pain in the scrotum that is worse with standing and physical exertion. The pain is relieved by lying on your back.
Hydrocele
It is a swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid in the scrotum. It results from an injury or inflammation within the scrotum.
Prostatitis
Inflammation of the prostate. The types are chronic prostatitis, acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. It becomes tender, sore, and inflamed in the prostate.
After Vasectomy
After vasectomy (male sterilization surgery), a person may experience congestive epididymitis or sperm granuloma. Both conditions cause pain and discomfort.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones can cause referred pain in the scrotum.
Undescended Testicles
It is when one or both testicles do not reach their normal place in the scrotum. In rare cases, an undescended testicle can twist and stop the blood supply, causing pain.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer rarely causes any pain. But where cancer explodes, it can cut off blood flow to the testicle or bleed, causing pain and tenderness.
Fournier's Gangrene
It is a rare but serious bacterial infection that begins in the abdominal wall and spreads to the scrotum and penis, causing tissue death (gangrene).
Diabetic Neuropathy
It allows the nerves of the scrotum to suffer damage.
Diagnosis for Testicular Pain
To diagnose the underlying cause of testicular pain, your healthcare provider will take a complete history and physical exam.
Physical Exam
The physical exam will focus on examining the following areas:
- Abdomen / groin
- Penis
- Testicles
- Scrotum
Imaging Tests
Ultrasonography
A color Doppler testicular ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging study that can evaluate blood flow to the testicles, as well as the presence of testicular tumors, fluid collections, testicular rupture, and hernias. A kidney ultrasound can help evaluate kidney stones.
Radionuclide Imaging
It is an imaging study that requires the intravenous administration of a radionuclide, useful for the evaluation of testicular torsion, as well as other causes of testicular pain. It is used much less often than ultrasound.
Kidney / ureter / bladder (KUB) CT scan or X-ray
These particular imaging studies are sometimes ordered if there is a suspicion that testicular pain is caused by kidney stones or other conditions in the abdomen or pelvis.
Testicular Pain Treatment
Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor may suggest several treatment options. Treatment may include:
- Pain relievers
- If there is an infection, antibiotics are given
- Surgery to unscrew the testicle (torsion of the testicle) or to correct the undescended testicle or to reduce fluid accumulation or to remove infected and dying tissue (gangrene) or to remove cancer
- Nerve block and cord denervation
- A surgical evaluation for possible correction of an undescended testicle
When to see a Doctor?
You should seek emergency medical attention if your testicular pain:
- Is caused by an injury that is painful or if swelling occurs after an hour
- Discoloration of the testicles
- Unusual, bloody, or cloudy discharge from the penis
- Pain that worsens over time
- Feel a lump in the scrotum
- Nausea
- You have a fever
- Your scrotum is red, hot to the touch, or tender
- Have recently been in contact with someone who has mumps
Anyone with symptoms of testicular torsion should seek emergency medical attention. Without treatment, any condition that affects blood flow could result in the testicle's loss or the surrounding parts.
