What causes testicular pain? How do you know when to see a urologist for testicle pain? Learn about the common causes, symptoms, and when to seek medical attention for testicular pain.

Understanding Testicular Pain

Experiencing pain in the testicles can be a concerning and often embarrassing issue for men. However, it’s important to address any testicular pain promptly, as it can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Testicular pain can affect men of any age and can have a wide range of causes, from a sudden injury during physical activity to a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or even testicular cancer.

Anatomy of the Testicles

Before delving into the causes and treatments of testicular pain, it’s helpful to review the basic anatomy of the testicles. The testicles, or testes, are two small, egg-shaped glands located within the scrotum, a thin pouch of skin that helps regulate the temperature of the testicles. The testicles are responsible for producing sperm and the male hormone testosterone. Due to their sensitive location outside the body, the testicles are more vulnerable to potential injury and various medical conditions.

Symptoms of Testicular Pain

Testicular pain can manifest in a variety of ways, and it’s important to be aware of the possible symptoms. These can include:

• A dull ache in the scrotum
• Swelling or a lump in the scrotum
• Pain in one or both testicles
• Sudden, sharp, or intense pain
• Acute (sudden) or chronic (gradual) pain
• Bruising on the scrotum
• Testicular pain accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting
• Urination problems or blood in the urine
• Pain with ejaculation

If you experience any of these symptoms or notice a new sensation in your testicles that feels abnormal, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Common Causes of Testicular Pain

Testicular pain can have a variety of underlying causes, ranging from sudden injuries to more serious medical conditions. Some of the most common causes of testicular pain include:

Sudden Injury or Trauma

Participating in contact sports, tackling home repairs, or even going on a long bike ride can increase the risk of injuring the testicles and causing pain.

Infection

Testicular pain can be the result of an infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like gonorrhea or chlamydia. These infections can cause inflammation in the epididymis (a structure attached to the testicle that stores sperm) or the testicles themselves.

Inguinal Hernia

An inguinal hernia, a condition in which soft tissue (typically part of the intestine) bulges through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, can cause swelling and pain in the scrotum.

Testicular Torsion

Testicular torsion is a medical emergency in which a testicle rotates around the spermatic cord, blocking blood flow to the testicle. Symptoms include sudden, severe testicular pain, swelling, and possibly nausea and vomiting. Immediate surgery (typically within hours of the onset of pain) is required to prevent decreased fertility or even loss of the testicle.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer, the most common cancer in men ages 15-35, can cause dull pain or a firm lump within the testicle. However, testicular cancer is usually painless.

Varicocele

A varicocele is a dilation of the veins above the testicle, which can cause dull, achy pain. Varicoceles are one of the most common causes of male infertility.

Hydrocele

A hydrocele is a swelling in the scrotum that occurs when fluid builds up around a testicle.

Testicular Rupture

A testicular rupture is a tear in the outer covering of the testicle, which can cause pain, swelling, and bleeding.

When to See a Urologist

If you are experiencing any type of testicular pain, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. While some causes of testicular pain may be relatively minor, others can be more serious or even require immediate treatment. A urologist, a doctor who specializes in conditions of the male reproductive tract, is the best healthcare provider to evaluate and diagnose the cause of your testicular pain.

If you experience sudden, severe testicular pain, swelling, or any other symptoms that cause concern, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately, as this could be a sign of a medical emergency like testicular torsion. Delaying treatment can have serious consequences, so don’t hesitate to visit the emergency room or make an appointment with a urologist right away.

For less severe or persistent testicular pain, it’s still important to schedule an appointment with a urologist as soon as possible. They can perform a thorough examination, order any necessary tests, and determine the underlying cause of your discomfort. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and ensure your overall reproductive health.

Seeking Treatment for Testicular Pain

Once a urologist has determined the cause of your testicular pain, they will recommend the appropriate treatment plan. The specific treatment will depend on the underlying condition, but it may include:

• Medication (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.) to treat infections or reduce inflammation
• Surgical procedures to repair hernias, address testicular torsion, or remove tumors
• Lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding activities that may aggravate the condition
• Monitoring and follow-up care to ensure the condition is properly managed

It’s important to follow the urologist’s recommendations and treatment plan to ensure the best possible outcome and to prevent any complications or long-term issues.

Preventing Testicular Pain

While some causes of testicular pain, such as sudden injuries or infections, may be difficult to prevent, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Wear protective athletic equipment, such as a cup or jockstrap, when participating in contact sports or activities that could lead to testicular injury.
• Practice good hygiene and safe sexual practices to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
• Perform regular self-examinations of your testicles to check for any abnormalities, such as lumps or swelling.
• Seek prompt medical attention if you experience any testicular pain or other concerning symptoms.

By being proactive about your testicular health and seeking medical attention when necessary, you can help ensure that any issues are addressed quickly and effectively.