Testicular Pain : Causes, Types, Treatment and Symptoms

A mild or severe, acute or chronic pain with moderate discomfort felt in the testicles (oval-shaped male reproductive organ). The pain may emerge from within the testicles or their supporting structures, including the epididymis (tube behind the testicle), or the spermatic cord. On rare occasions, the testicular pain is actually a false alarm, caused by issues from other areas, such as the groin, abdomen, or kidneys.

Most common Testicular Pain symptoms:

• Dull ache and sharp pain
• Feeling of heaviness in one or both testicles
• A swelling of the scrotum may be observed
• A lump or mass over or around the testicles
• An accompanied fever and chills
• Blood in the urine or pain while urination or both
• Other symptoms include headaches, body aches, fatigue, nausea and vomiting

Common, Uncommon or Underlying Causes of Testicular Pain

Testicular pain has a wide range of causes, including common issues, uncommon causes. Underlying causes can be more complex, which may or may not involve chronic conditions, past nerve issues from a surgery. Sudden or severe pain warrants immediate medical attention to rule out a serious condition like torsion.

• A direct injury or blow to the testes, causing temporary pain
• Inflammation of the epididymis or the testicle itself
• Bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or sexually transmitted diseases (STIs)
• Enlarged veins in the scrotum (varicocele)
• A heavy buildup of fluids in the scrotum (hydrocele)
• A twisted testicle cutting off its blood supply
• A fluid-filled sac on the testicle (spermatocele)
• Tissue pushing through the weak spot in the abdominal muscles.
• Kidneys stones
• Diabetic neuropathy causes nerve pain, leading to testicular discomfort.
• Pain after a vasectomy (post-vasectomy pain syndrome)
• Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS
• Testicular benign cancer (testicular neoplasm)

When to Seek a Specialist for Your Testicular Pain?

Visiting your specialist is essential when experiencing persistent testicular pain, but the circumstances listed below make it vital that you seek immediate evaluation by a healthcare professional.

• Sudden intense pain in either or both of the testicles.
• Swelling or redness in the scrotum.
• Symptoms that indicate the testicles are twisted.
• Changes in the shape or size of the testicle.
• Pain lasting for more than a few hours does not subside with rest.
• Testicular pain with stomach pain or nausea and vomiting.

Don’t wait for signs to grow severe. Consult our Urologists today

Diagnostic Approach for Testicular Pain

A diagnostic approach to testicular pain may begin with gathering a detailed medical history, to visualize the testicles and blood flow, especially to rule out testicular torsion. Other tests mentioned below may be performed to identify infections, hormonal imbalances, or referred pain. In severe or emergency cases, such as testicular torsion, immediate surgical exploration may be required without further testing to save the testicle.

• Valuation of pain characteristics, associated trauma-related symptoms, and underlying medical conditions.
• Physical examination of the testicle, groin, scrotum, and abdomen.
• Urnialysis and urine culture for bacterial and viral infections.
• Blood tests for any signs of hormonal imbalances, inflammation and signs of infections.
• A swab test taken from the urethra for specific STI pathogens.
• Scrotal ultrasound to rule out testicular torsion.
• CT scans to diagnose inguinal hernias, kidney stones, and aneurysms.
• Other tests involve STDs and testicular cancer screening tests for suspected sexually transmitted infections and benign tumors, respectively.

How to Treat Testicular Pain Symptoms?

These are the home care measures for mild testicular pain that are non-urgent, which may result from minor injuries or strain. If the pain becomes severe, sudden, or worsens with time and requires urgent medical attention, you must visit your doctor.

For underlying causes, treatments & management strategies include:

• Press a cold compress in the form of an ice pack wrapped in a piece of cloth in the affected areas for 15-20 minutes to counter swelling.
• Wear supportive trunks or briefs to provide comfort to the scrotum.
• Lying on the bed and placing a rolled towel under the scrotum helps reduce the discomfort.
• Take over-the-counter pain reliever medications.
• Take warm baths to relax the muscles and reduce the tension.
• Avoid heavy weight lifting or harsh irritants.

What If Testicular Pain is Left Untreated?

Leaving testicular pain untreated can lead to severe consequences, which may range from infertility to surgically remove the affected testicle. Untreated infections can also spread or cause long-term damage, potentially necessitating surgical intervention.

Some possible complications of an untreated testicular pain include:

• Untreated epididymitis, orchitis, testicular torsion or certain cancers may affect sperm production, causing infertility.
• A lack of blood causes the testicle to shrink and get damaged.
• Chronic testicular pain leads to psychological distress and limits your daily activities.
• Untreated infections potentially cause abscess formation or sepsis.
• In rare cases, like advanced testicular cancer, persistent torsion or trauma, the affected testicle may be surgically removed.

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