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Male reproductive anatomy
Male reproductive anatomy

Testicle pain
Definition:
Pain or discomfort in the testicles -- sometimes also radiating to the lower abdomen.
Alternative Names:
Pain - testicle(s)
Considerations:
Testicular aches and pains are not usually cause for alarm. In the case of mumps and testicular torsion, however, the health care provider should be seen immediately.

Sudden onset of severe testicular pain is an emergency. If a young man complains of abdominal pain, the scrotum should always be carefully examined because abdominal pain often precedes testicular pain in testicular torsion.

Note: testicular cancer is usually painless. However, any testicle lump should be evaluated by the health care provider whether or not there is testicle pain.
Common Causes:
  • injury or trauma
  • varicocele (dilated vein within the sac)
  • hernia into the scrotum
  • epididymitis (the ducts through which the sperm leaves the testicle can become inflamed and painful)
  • testicular torsion (the cord that suspends the testicle becomes twisted, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle)
  • unrelieved penile erections can cause mild testicular discomfort
Home Care:
For sudden, severe testicular pain, see your health care provider immediately (testicular torsion is an emergency). If left untreated for more than a few hours, the gland may become gangrenous and have to be surgically removed. An early diagnosis and surgical treatment may prevent loss of the testis.

Home care measures may reduce discomfort. Provide support to the scrotum. An athletic supporter may be helpful when up. When in bed, it may help to place a rolled towel under the scrotum.
Call your health care provider if:
  • the pain is severe or persists for a prolonged period of time or is accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
  • there is a lump in the testicles.
  • a young man or boy develops sudden abdominal or testicular pain. It could be testicular torsion, which should be treated immediately.
Note: Testicular aches and pains are not usually cause for alarm. In the case of pain caused by mumps or testicular torsion, however, the health care provider should be seen right away.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting the testicular pain in detail may include:
  • time pattern
    • How long has the pain been present?
    • Did it occur suddenly or gradually?
    • Is it constant pain or occasional?
  • quality
    • How severe is the pain?
    • Is the pain increasing?
  • location
    • Exactly where does it hurt?
    • Is the pain in one testicle or both?
    • Does the pain extend into the abdomen or back?
  • aggravating factors
    • Have there been any recent injuries?
    • Have there been any recent infections?
    • What makes the pain worse?
  • relieving factors
    • Does anything help relieve the pain?
  • other
    • What other symptoms are also present?
    • Is there swelling?
    • Is there redness?
    • Are there urine color changes?
    • Is there a fever?
    • Has there been unintentional weight loss?
Physical examination will include an examination of the groin and testicles.

Intervention:
If testicular torsion is the cause of the pain, a simple surgical procedure will fix the problem. Antibiotics may be prescribed for infections. Pain medications may be recommended to relieve discomfort.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to testicle pain to your personal medical record.
Review Date: 5/28/2001
Reviewed By: Debra Fromer, M.D. Department of Urology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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