What You Need To Know About Lower Back And Testicle Pain

Content

• Overview
• What are some of the most common causes of lower back and testicle pain?
• What are some of the less common causes of lower back and testicle pain?
• When should you see a doctor?
• The lowdown

Developing lower back and testicle pain can be a condition that requires emergency medical treatment. Your pain may be caused by an infection, cancer, spinal issues, or one of several other underlying conditions. A correct diagnosis of your condition can ensure that you get the treatment you need and help relieve the mental burden of dealing with lower back and testicle pain without knowing the cause.

Epididymitis

Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis, the coiled tubing at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm. The condition is the most common cause of severe testicular pain in the US, affecting over 600,000 men annually. Epididymitis affects men of all ages but is most common among males between 14 and 35.¹

The most common cause of epididymitis is a bacterial infection, including sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea or chlamydia. However, epididymitis can also result from infections caused by bacteria such as E. coli or the mumps virus. The condition can also occur if urine is forced backward into the epididymis due to heavy exertion.

Epididymitis can also be caused by:

Symptoms of epididymitis typically include pain and swelling of the testicles, which start as mild but become increasingly intense and sharp. Some may experience pain when urinating, blood in the semen, or fever or chills due to the condition.

The most common treatment for epididymitis is a one or two-week course of antibiotics. While you may begin to experience relief within two or three days of beginning treatment, it’s essential to continue taking the entire course of antibiotics to ensure that the infection is gone. If the bacterial infection is sexually transmitted, your partner will also need treatment.

Discomfort may also be relieved by:

Kidney stones

A kidney stone is a hard deposit of minerals and salt that can form in the kidneys. Kidney stones can be as small as a grain of sand and may not cause any issues if they stay in the kidney. However, if a stone moves into the ureter, it can block the flow of urine, increasing pressure and swelling of the kidney.

The blockage, increased pressure, and swelling can lead to excruciating pain, usually located in the lower back — one of the classic symptoms of kidney stones. The pain typically occurs in intermittent waves and radiates towards the front of the abdomen, causing scrotal and testicular pain in males. Other symptoms may include:

Different types of stones have different causes. However, dehydration from strenuous exercise without replenishing with fluids or reduced fluid intake overall increases the risk of kidney stones. Stones may also form from elevated uric acid levels in the blood, obstructions to urine flow, and certain urinary tract infections. Other metabolic conditions and certain medications can also increase the risk.

Kidney stone treatments vary depending on the size of the stone, what it’s made of, and whether it is blocking your urinary tract or causing pain. Often, your doctor will perform various tests, including a urine test, a blood test, and x-rays or CT scans to determine the best treatment.

If your test results show that the stone is small, your doctor may recommend taking pain medicine and drinking plenty of fluids to help push the stone through your urinary tract naturally. If the stone is large or blocking your urinary tract, several treatment options are available.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a treatment that uses shock waves to break the kidney stone into smaller pieces. Once broken up, the smaller pieces will pass through your urinary tract and out of your body with your urine. The treatment usually takes 45 minutes to an hour and can be performed under general anesthesia, meaning you are asleep and won’t feel pain.

Ureteroscopy is also performed under general anesthesia and is a procedure where the doctor uses a long, tube-shaped tool to locate the stone. In the case of a small stone, the doctor may remove it, or it is larger, they will break it up. In the case of a larger stone, a laser is used to break the stone into pieces small enough to pass through the urinary tract.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a standard surgical procedure used for larger stones. During this procedure, the stone is removed by inserting a tube directly into the kidney. Because of the invasiveness of this procedure, it usually requires a hospital stay of two to three days to recover.

Urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) involve the body parts that make urine and carry it out of your body. For men, these parts include the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. A build-up of bacteria anywhere in your urinary tract can lead to an infection.

UTIs are usually classified by their location in the urinary tract:

Lower tract infections include infection of the urethra or infection of the bladder. The most common cause of a lower UTI is intestinal bacteria, which contaminates the urinary tract by spreading from the skin to the urethra and then to the bladder. Inflammation of the urethra can also be caused by sexually transmitted microorganisms such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Upper tract infections involve the ureters and kidneys and include kidney infections. Upper tract infections occur when bacteria travel upward in the urinary tract from the bladder to the kidney or when bacteria in the bloodstream collect in the kidney.

UTIs are relatively rare in men but are a common cause of lower back and testicle pain. Sometimes, there are no signs or only mild symptoms of a UTI, but when they are present, they may include:

• Urine with a strong odor

• A near-constant urge to urinate

• A burning sensation when urinating

• Frequently passing small amounts of urine

• Urine that is cloudy or discolored with blood

Doctors usually treat a UTI with antibiotics, chosen based on the location of the infection and the type of bacteria believed to be the cause. Typically, a week of antibiotics will clear up a lower UTI, while an upper-tract infection may require two weeks of treatment.

Testicular cancer

While relatively rare, testicular cancer is the most common cancer found in men aged 20 to 35.² Men who have experienced abnormal testicle development, have had an undescended testicle, or have a family history of cancer are at the most significant risk.

While the cause of testicular cancer is not clear, like other cancers, it occurs when healthy cells in a testicle become altered. When cells develop abnormally, these cancer cells can accumulate and form a mass in the testicle.

Often, the first sign of testicular cancer is a lump on the testicle or a swollen testicle. The growth may also be tender and painful, with pain radiating to the lower back. Some men also experience enlargement or tenderness of the breasts.

Treatments for testicular cancer are highly successful, even if cancer has spread beyond the testicles. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy have both been shown to be effective options to kill testicular cancer cells. Surgery to remove the affected testicle and associated lymph nodes is also a common recommendation.

Lumbosacral spondylolisthesis

Lumbosacral spondylolisthesis is caused by a vertebra in the lower back slipping out of place and onto the one below. The condition puts pressure on the surrounding nerves and produces various symptoms.

Symptoms may include weakness of the legs when walking and standing and numbness or a tingling sensation in the back, buttocks, or legs. The condition may also cause a stiff and tender feeling in the back and lower back pain that may radiate into the legs and testicles.

The condition can result from an injury, repetitive strain on the spine, or general wear and tear as a person gets older. Lumbosacral spondylolisthesis is most common among young athletes in sports that stretch the lumbar spine, such as baseball, football, wrestling, weightlifting, gymnastics, and dancing.

The vertebral slippage that causes lumbosacral spondylolisthesis often occurs during growth spurts in childhood or adolescence and is one of the most common causes of back pain in teens.

Lumbosacral spondylolisthesis is typically treated with anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling. The condition can also be treated with physical therapy to strengthen the lower back muscles. In addition, doctors may prescribe steroid injections for people with severe symptoms, and while rare, a surgical solution is sometimes required.

Spinal nerve compression

Spinal problems are a commonly overlooked cause of lower back and testicular pain in men. Often, this condition is caused by osteoarthritis, which occurs due to the gradual wear and tear of the spine’s bones with age. Spinal nerve compression can occur anywhere along your spine and is caused by pressure exerted on the spinal cord. Spinal nerve compression can also be caused by:

The symptoms of spinal nerve compression often resemble those of many nerve-related conditions and require an expert opinion to receive the appropriate treatment. Usually, your doctor will recommend a consultation with a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that involve the nervous system.

Spinal nerve compression can cause several symptoms, including:

• Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel functions

• Inability to achieve or maintain an erection

• Muscle weakness or stiffness in the arms and legs, or especially in the neck

• Numbness, tingling, or other abnormal sensation 

• Discomfort along the spine or the extremities, including burning or radiating pain that extends to the lower back and testicles

The treatment of spinal nerve compression depends on the location and severity of the symptoms. Typically, the first course of action is physical therapy to strengthen the muscles of your back, abdomen, and legs. Also, physical therapy will help you learn how to perform activities safely and maintain a good posture. In some cases, back braces or assistive devices may be helpful to maintain proper spine alignment.

It’s not uncommon to experience occasional back pain. Typically, the pain may last for a few hours or a day or two and subsides. However, when the pain persists or worsens even after using self-care treatments, it can be a sign of a more severe injury or condition.

With some conditions, lower back pain can spread to other areas of the body, including the groin and testicles. The testicles are extremely sensitive, and even a minor injury or irritation can cause pain and discomfort. While there are several direct causes of testicular pain, such as blows or injuries to the groin area, many other conditions can cause lower back and testicle pain.

Men experiencing lower back and testicle pain should consult a doctor if the pain doesn’t go away or is severe enough to interfere with their daily lives. It’s also vital to seek medical attention if the pain occurs along with other symptoms, such as:

• Pain or difficulty urinating

• Fever or chills

• Nausea or vomiting

• Severe pain in the lower back, abdomen, or groin area

• Blood in the urine

• Lump on the testicle

• Swelling of the testicle 

A variety of conditions can cause lower back and testicle pain, but most cases can be treated successfully. If you are experiencing lower back and testicle pain, your condition may result from an injury, infection, or illness with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Whatever the cause, lower back and testicle pain can indicate a serious medical condition, and you receive a medical evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Causes and when to see a doctor

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Possible causes of lower back and testicular pain include lumbar spondylolisthesis, epididymitis, kidney stones, and more. A doctor can diagnose the cause of the pain and advise on suitable treatments.

In this article, we discuss some possible causes of lower back and testicle pain. We also cover when to see a doctor.

Share on PinterestInjuries or strain can cause lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Lumbar spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one of the vertebrae in the lower part of the spine, called the lumbar region, slips out of place. Spondylolisthesis can occur due to injuries, repetitive strain on the spine, or general wear and tear as a person gets older.

Lumbar spondylolisthesis can cause lower back pain if the slipped vertebra places pressure on one of the spinal nerves. This pain can sometimes radiate down to the testicles or legs.

Other symptoms can include:

• numbness or tingling in the back, buttocks, or legs
• a feeling of weakness in the legs when standing or walking
• stiffness or tenderness in the back

These symptoms may improve when a person is sitting or leaning forward.

Treatment

Treatment options for lumbar spondylolisthesis include physical therapy to strengthen the lower back muscles and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling. For people with more severe symptoms, a doctor may prescribe steroid injections.

Surgical treatment may be necessary for people with lumbar spondylolisthesis that does not improve with other treatments and for those with a loss of nerve function.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur when bacteria build up in the urinary tract, which includes the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra.

UTIs can cause pain or a burning sensation while urinating, and this pain may extend to the testicles. A person may also experience a constant urge to urinate.

Severe pain in the lower back or abdomen alongside fever, nausea, and vomiting can indicate a kidney infection, which is the most serious type of UTI.

Treatment

People with symptoms of a UTI, particularly a kidney infection, should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Doctors typically prescribe antibiotics for individuals with a bacterial UTI. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions when taking antibiotics and to complete the entire course.

Drinking plenty of water and urinating frequently can help speed up recovery. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can also help relieve pain and discomfort.

Share on PinterestIbuprofen can treat epididymitis pain.

Epididymitis is the swelling of the epididymis, a duct that stores and transports sperm from the testicles to the vas deferens.

The swelling of the epididymis can cause pain in the scrotum and testicles that sometimes radiates to other areas of the body, including the groin area and the lower back or sides.

Possible causes of epididymitis include sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, and UTIs. However, there is not always an obvious cause, and in some people, epididymitis can be a chronic condition.

Depending on the cause, a person with epididymitis may also experience symptoms that include painful urination, fever, and a frequent urge to urinate.

Treatment

The type of treatment for epididymitis depends on the cause. A doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics for people with a bacterial infection.

Resting and elevating the scrotum can help reduce swelling. OTC anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, may also provide relief from pain and discomfort. Ibuprofen is available for purchase online.

Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that can form in the kidneys. Small kidney stones do not always cause symptoms, but larger stones can block the flow of urine from the kidneys.

Blockages can result in sharp pain in the lower back and sides that may also radiate to the lower abdomen, the groin area, and the tip of the penis.

Other symptoms of kidney stones can include:

• blood in the urine
• pain or difficulty urinating
• an intense urge to urinate
• nausea and vomiting

Treatment

The treatment options will depend on the severity of the symptoms and the size of the stones.

Smaller stones do not always require treatment and may leave the body in the urine. Drinking plenty of fluid can help the stones pass out more quickly. Doctors may also prescribe pain relievers and medications, such as tamsulosin, to relax the ureter.

A doctor may recommend a medical procedure to remove kidney stones that are large, very painful, or affecting kidney function. Removal procedures can include surgery or the use of shock wave therapy to break the stone into smaller pieces that a person can pass.

Share on PinterestAnyone who notices lumps on their testicles should speak to a doctor.

Rarely, lower back and testicle pain can be a sign of testicular cancer.

The most common first symptom is either a lump on the testicle or the testicle becoming swollen or larger. Testicular cancer can sometimes cause pain in the testicle and a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum or lower abdomen. Some people may also notice breast soreness or unusual breast growth due to hormonal changes.

If testicular cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it can cause additional symptoms, such as:

• lower back pain
• abdominal pain
• headaches or confusion
• breathing difficulties and chest pain

Treatment

Treatment varies depending on the type and stage of testicular cancer when the doctor makes the diagnosis. Treatment options can include:

• surgery
• radiation therapy
• chemotherapy

Pelvic floor dysfunction involves difficulty controlling the muscles of the pelvic floor. It forces the surrounding muscles to contract rather than relax.

A person with pelvic floor dysfunction may have difficulty controlling their urination and experience pain in the testicles. This pain is particularly likely to occur in younger patients.

The condition currently affects around 100,000 men in the United States each year.

Other symptoms can include:

• painful urination
• constipation
• pain and pressure in the pelvic region
• muscle spasms in the pelvis

Treatment

Treatment options include pelvic floor exercises, with an emphasis on contraction, and biofeedback, which involves learning to control bodily processes that are usually involuntary.

Doctors may also prescribe muscle relaxants to help prevent the pelvic muscles from contracting.

If a person has certain accompanying issues, such as rectal prolapse, a doctor may recommend surgery to loosen the pelvic organs.

People with lower back and testicle pain should see a doctor if the pain is severe, does not get better, or is interfering with daily life. It is also important to seek medical advice if the pain occurs along with other symptoms, such as an unexplained lump or swelling in the testicles.

A person should seek immediate medical attention for symptoms of kidney stones or a kidney infection. These can include:

• fever and chills
• blood in the urine
• nausea and vomiting
• severe pain in the sides, back, lower abdomen, or groin area
• pain or difficulty urinating

When testicle pain occurs along with lower back pain, it can indicate an underlying condition. Possible causes include kidney stones, infections, and spinal problems.

People should see a doctor if the pain is severe, does not go away, or occurs along with other concerning symptoms.

What causes pain in the right testicle in men

No wonder they say that a blow to the balls is the most painful, because they are the most vulnerable spot in men. The right testicle can hurt in men, both in the elderly and in adolescence. The pain syndrome can be both aching and acute. Even if the pain subsides, its appearance always causes irritation, hysteria, fear and emotional instability, which are always accompanied by excessive sweating, a feeling of weakness, vomiting and nausea. Accordingly, any man must know what to do if the testicle hurts.

Remember, only a urologist-andrologist can accurately diagnose and prescribe treatment!

Right and left testicular functions

The right and left eggs in men have other names – testicles and testicles, which create a paired gonad – a gonad, which is located in the soft scrotum. It produces testosterone and sperm. In any of the eggs there are 200 lobules, separated by partitions, where the seminiferous tubules are located. In them, the maturation of spermatozoa occurs.

The spermatic cords are located in the upper part of the right and left eggs. They contain nerves, blood vessels and the vas deferens. From the side of the testicles are appendages. They transport the seminal fluid to the vas deferens and bring the spermatozoa to maturity.

Why it is important to see a urologist

In the event that after 7-8 hours after the onset of pain in the testicles it does not get better, the male representative should immediately contact a urologist to make sure that there are no pathologies or injuries. In severe cases, you should definitely call an ambulance.

Sign of possible diseases

Pain in the testicles is not an accurate diagnosis, it is only a symptom of a concomitant disease or injury. There are many reasons why testicles hurt in men, and each has its own character.

Mechanical injuries

Pulling pain in the testicle, left or right, indicates an injury followed by a hematoma. A puncture wound and a rupture of the membranes are considered dangerous, as evidenced by severe pain and profuse bleeding.

Testicular torsion

The most dangerous symptom is torsion. If the patient is not provided timely assistance, then he may be left completely without one egg. When twisted, the spermatic cord, the vessels inside it, the nerves and the vas deferens are compressed, which leads to necrosis of the gland tissues. It can occur when the eggs are injured, sudden movements and tension in the abdominal muscles.

Orchitis

Cystitis or orchitis is possible with pain at the end of urination and burning sensation in the scrotum. The disease is caused by bacteria and viruses. If a man has suffered severe mental or physical stress, hypothermia or moves little, then the disease will not take long. If the right testicle hurts and the body temperature rises, it means that the pathological process has begun.

Epididymitis

Pain in the testicle in men can be associated with inflammation of the appendages. The disease most often appears during an active sexual life. The main reason is the presence of a bacterial infection. The following factors contribute to the occurrence of epididymitis:

• promiscuity;
• Surgical interventions;
• Taking medicines.

There is a disease of acute, recurrent and chronic nature.

dropsy

In the event that the right egg hurts and it has increased in size, dropsy is present. In addition, the symptoms of the disease are: fever, lack of appetite, weakness. Provoke dropsy excessive exercise.

Spermatocele

It manifests itself in the form of a pulling pain. There is a lump in the scrotum that is easy to feel. In a man, seminal fluid accumulates in the duct of the epididymis and a small cyst appears. It is removed only by surgery.

Other possible causes

Cause pain in the testicles in men causes of the following nature:

1. If a man feels pain that spreads throughout the scrotum, there is an inflammatory process in the kidneys.
2. Severe stabbing paroxysmal pain radiating to the lower back indicates urolithiasis.
3. If the scrotum hurts and its swelling is present, the man has an inguinal hernia.
4. In the presence of dull arching pain with radiating to the scrotum or leg, pubis – there is an inflammatory process, which in some cases requires immediate surgical intervention.
5. Congestive processes, if a man has abstained from sexual intercourse for a long time, lead to the fact that testicles hurt after sex.

If a testicle is pulled, aching pain in the testicles or other unpleasant symptoms have appeared, a man should not put off going to the doctor. In no case, you should not ask advice from acquaintances, friends or the world wide web on what to do if the testicles hurt. Otherwise, you can lose them, lose interest in sex, or remain infertile. Infertility treatment is carried out by specialists of our medical center.

Treatment of infections in men is the profile of our medical center. Sign up for an appointment.

What causes testicular pain?

If you feel any discomfort in the testicles, this is a reason to see a doctor as soon as possible. Why testicles hurt and what to do about it, which can cause testicles to hurt.

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Diseases

What do these symptoms mean?

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Epididymitis

Epididymitis is an infection that develops in the epididymis, the organ where sperm mature before leaving the body. What symptoms may indicate epididymitis:

• pain that gradually gets worse;
• scrotum, hot to the touch;
• swelling.

Epididymitis is most commonly caused by chlamydia, gonorrhea, and urinary tract infections. Fortunately, a course of antibiotics can solve the problem.

Hernias

Hernias occur when tissues penetrate a weak part of the abdominal muscles. An inguinal hernia is a type of hernia that can penetrate the scrotum, causing testicular pain and swelling.

If you turn to a doctor at an early stage, you will most likely be able to do without surgery, but if the case is advanced, you will have to resort to the help of a surgeon.

Kidney stones

Pain caused by kidney stones can “radiate” to the testicles – the so-called referred pain. Urgently consult a urologist, especially if the following symptoms are added to the pain:

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• urine with blood;
• burning when urinating;
• nausea;
• pain in the upper part of the penis;
• sharp cramping pain that may radiate from the back to the groin;
• frequent urination;
• vomiting.

( By the way: Kidney stones: how to understand what they are and how to reduce the risk of their occurrence?)

Orchitis

Orchitis is an infection and inflammation of the testicle. Most often, orchitis develops if epididymitis is not treated in time. Other symptoms of orchitis:

• fatigue;
• high temperature;
• nausea;
• tumor in one or both testicles;
• vomiting.

Testicular torsion

This is a serious condition that occurs when the testicle twists around the spermatic cord, which carries sperm from the testicles to the urethra. As a rule, testicular torsion develops more often in young men under the age of 25 years. In addition to severe pain, testicular torsion is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• nausea;
• redness or darkening of the scrotum;
• sudden severe pain on one side of the scrotum;
• swelling of the scrotum;
• vomiting.

With testicular torsion, the pain increases gradually, increasing over several days.

Testicular tumor

Testicular tumor can cause pain and swelling in the testicles.