What is testicular torsion. How does it occur. What are the main symptoms of testicular torsion. When should you seek medical attention for testicular pain. Can testicular torsion be prevented. What are the potential complications of untreated testicular torsion.

Understanding Testicular Torsion: A Medical Emergency

Testicular torsion is a serious condition that occurs when a testicle rotates, twisting the spermatic cord that supplies blood to the scrotum. This rotation results in reduced blood flow, leading to sudden and often severe pain and swelling. While it can happen at any age, even before birth, testicular torsion is most common among adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 18.

Is testicular torsion a medical emergency? Absolutely. This condition requires immediate medical attention and often emergency surgery. If treated promptly, the affected testicle can usually be saved. However, prolonged lack of blood flow can cause irreversible damage, potentially necessitating the removal of the testicle.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Testicular Torsion

Identifying the signs of testicular torsion quickly is crucial for preserving testicular function. The primary symptoms include:

• Sudden, severe pain in the scrotum
• Scrotal swelling
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abnormal testicular position or angle
• Frequent urination
• Fever

It’s worth noting that young boys experiencing testicular torsion often wake up in the middle of the night or early morning due to scrotal pain. Any sudden or severe testicle pain should be considered a medical emergency, requiring immediate attention.

The Underlying Causes of Testicular Torsion

Why does testicular torsion occur? The exact cause isn’t always clear, but several factors may contribute:

• Inherited anatomical trait: Many males who experience testicular torsion have an inherited condition that allows the testicle to rotate freely within the scrotum.
• Physical activity: Torsion often occurs several hours after vigorous activity or minor testicular injury.
• Environmental factors: Cold temperatures may play a role in some cases.
• Rapid growth: The quick growth of the testicle during puberty might contribute to the risk.

Can testicular torsion happen spontaneously? Yes, it can occur while sleeping or without any apparent trigger, which underscores the importance of being aware of the symptoms and seeking prompt medical care.

Risk Factors Associated with Testicular Torsion

While testicular torsion can affect males of any age, certain factors increase the risk:

1. Age: The condition is most prevalent between ages 12 and 18.
2. Previous episodes: If you’ve experienced testicular pain that resolved without treatment (known as intermittent torsion and detorsion), you’re at higher risk for future occurrences.
3. Family history: Testicular torsion can run in families, suggesting a genetic component.

Does having these risk factors guarantee you’ll experience testicular torsion? No, but they do increase the likelihood, making it important to be vigilant about any sudden testicular pain or discomfort.

Complications of Untreated Testicular Torsion

Leaving testicular torsion untreated can lead to severe complications:

• Testicular damage or loss: If blood flow is blocked for several hours, permanent damage can occur, potentially requiring surgical removal of the testicle.
• Fertility issues: In some cases, damage or loss of a testicle may affect a man’s ability to father children.

How quickly can testicular damage occur? Significant damage can happen within just 4-6 hours of onset, emphasizing the critical nature of seeking immediate medical attention for any sudden testicular pain.

Diagnosing and Treating Testicular Torsion

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial in cases of suspected testicular torsion. The diagnostic process typically involves:

• Physical examination
• Ultrasound imaging
• Urine tests to rule out infection

What is the primary treatment for testicular torsion? The main treatment is surgical intervention, known as orchiopexy. During this procedure, the surgeon untwists the spermatic cord and secures the testicle to the scrotal wall to prevent future occurrences. In cases where the testicle is severely damaged, it may need to be removed in a procedure called an orchiectomy.

The Importance of Timely Intervention

How does the timing of treatment affect outcomes? The success rate of saving the testicle is directly related to how quickly treatment is received:

• Within 6 hours: 90-100% success rate
• 12-24 hours: 20-50% success rate
• After 24 hours: Less than 10% chance of saving the testicle

These statistics underscore the critical nature of seeking immediate medical attention for sudden testicular pain.

Preventing Testicular Torsion

Can testicular torsion be prevented? For males with the inherited trait that allows testicles to rotate freely in the scrotum, the only preventive measure is a surgical procedure to attach both testicles to the inside of the scrotum. This is typically recommended for those who have experienced a previous episode of torsion.

While prevention isn’t always possible, being aware of the symptoms and risk factors can lead to quicker recognition and treatment, potentially saving the affected testicle.

Living with the Risk of Testicular Torsion

For those at higher risk of testicular torsion, living with this possibility can be concerning. However, awareness and preparedness can make a significant difference:

• Stay informed about the symptoms
• Perform regular self-examinations
• Seek immediate medical attention for any sudden testicular pain
• Educate family members, especially if there’s a family history

How often should you perform testicular self-examinations? Monthly examinations are recommended, not just for detecting potential torsion, but also for identifying other testicular health issues, such as lumps or changes that could indicate testicular cancer.

Emotional Impact and Support

Experiencing testicular torsion or living with the risk can have emotional impacts. It’s important to address these psychological aspects:

• Anxiety about potential occurrences
• Body image concerns, especially if a testicle has been removed
• Worries about fertility

Seeking support from healthcare providers, counselors, or support groups can be beneficial in managing these concerns and maintaining overall well-being.

Advancing Research and Understanding of Testicular Torsion

While the basic mechanisms of testicular torsion are well understood, ongoing research continues to explore various aspects of the condition:

• Genetic factors contributing to the anatomical predisposition
• Improved diagnostic techniques for faster and more accurate identification
• Novel treatment approaches to minimize tissue damage
• Long-term effects on fertility and hormonal function

How might future research impact the management of testicular torsion? Advances in these areas could lead to better preventive strategies, more effective treatments, and improved outcomes for those affected by this condition.

The Role of Education in Managing Testicular Torsion Risk

Education plays a crucial role in mitigating the risks associated with testicular torsion. Increased awareness can lead to:

• Earlier recognition of symptoms
• Faster seeking of medical attention
• Better outcomes and higher rates of testicular preservation

Schools, healthcare providers, and public health campaigns all have a part to play in disseminating information about testicular health, including the risks and symptoms of torsion.

Global Perspectives on Testicular Torsion

While testicular torsion occurs worldwide, its incidence and management can vary across different regions:

• Incidence rates may differ due to genetic factors and environmental influences
• Access to prompt medical care can impact outcomes significantly
• Cultural factors may affect awareness and willingness to seek treatment for testicular issues

How do these global variations impact overall testicular health? Understanding these differences can help in developing targeted strategies for education, prevention, and treatment in different parts of the world.

Telemedicine and Testicular Torsion

In the era of digital health, telemedicine is playing an increasing role in healthcare delivery. For testicular torsion:

• Telemedicine can provide quick initial assessments
• Virtual consultations may help in triaging cases and advising on the need for immediate in-person care
• Follow-up care and monitoring can be facilitated through telehealth platforms

While telemedicine cannot replace the need for emergency surgical intervention in cases of testicular torsion, it can play a supportive role in education, initial assessment, and follow-up care.

The Intersection of Testicular Torsion and Other Male Health Issues

Understanding testicular torsion in the broader context of male health is important. This condition intersects with other aspects of male health in several ways:

• Testicular cancer awareness: Regular self-examinations for torsion can also aid in early detection of testicular cancer
• Fertility concerns: Both torsion and its treatment can impact fertility, highlighting the need for comprehensive male reproductive health care
• Hormonal health: Testicular function affects overall hormonal balance, emphasizing the importance of preserving testicular health

How does awareness of testicular torsion contribute to overall male health? By promoting regular self-examinations and encouraging open discussions about testicular health, awareness of torsion can lead to earlier detection and treatment of various male health issues.

Psychological Support for Testicular Torsion Patients

The psychological impact of experiencing testicular torsion, especially for young males, should not be underestimated. Support may include:

• Counseling to address anxiety and body image concerns
• Support groups for sharing experiences and coping strategies
• Education about long-term health and fertility to alleviate concerns

Integrating psychological support into the treatment and recovery process can significantly improve overall outcomes and quality of life for those affected by testicular torsion.

Future Directions in Testicular Torsion Management

As medical science advances, new approaches to managing testicular torsion may emerge:

• Development of non-invasive diagnostic tools for faster, more accurate diagnosis
• Exploration of minimally invasive surgical techniques
• Research into pharmacological interventions to reduce tissue damage during torsion
• Advancements in fertility preservation techniques for those affected by torsion

What potential breakthroughs might we see in testicular torsion treatment? While it’s difficult to predict specific advancements, ongoing research in these areas holds promise for improving outcomes and reducing the long-term impacts of this condition.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Diagnosing Testicular Torsion

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being applied in various areas of medicine, including the diagnosis of acute conditions like testicular torsion. Potential applications include:

• AI-assisted analysis of ultrasound images for faster, more accurate diagnosis
• Machine learning algorithms to predict risk based on patient history and symptoms
• AI-powered triage systems in emergency departments to prioritize potential torsion cases

While AI shows promise in supporting the diagnosis and management of testicular torsion, it’s important to note that these tools are intended to assist, not replace, clinical judgment and expertise.

Testicular torsion – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Testicular torsion occurs when a testicle rotates, twisting the spermatic cord that brings blood to the scrotum. The reduced blood flow causes sudden and often severe pain and swelling.

Testicular torsion

During testicular torsion a testicle rotates, twisting the spermatic cord that brings blood to the scrotum, the loose bag of skin under the penis that contains the testicles. The reduced blood flow causes sudden and often severe pain and swelling.

Testicular torsion is most common between ages 12 and 18, but it can occur at any age, even before birth.

Testicular torsion usually requires emergency surgery. If treated quickly, the testicle can usually be saved. But when blood flow has been cut off for too long, a testicle might become so badly damaged that it has to be removed.

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Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of testicular torsion include:

• Sudden, severe pain in the scrotum — the loose bag of skin under your penis that contains the testicles
• Swelling of the scrotum
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• A testicle that’s positioned higher than normal or at an unusual angle
• Frequent urination
• Fever

Young boys who have testicular torsion typically wake up due to scrotal pain in the middle of the night or early in the morning.

When to see a doctor

Seek emergency care for sudden or severe testicle pain. Prompt treatment can prevent severe damage or loss of your testicle if you have testicular torsion.

You also need to seek prompt medical help if you’ve had sudden testicle pain that goes away without treatment. This can occur when a testicle twists and then untwists on its own (intermittent torsion and detorsion). Surgery is frequently needed to prevent the problem from happening again.

Causes

Testicular torsion occurs when the testicle rotates on the spermatic cord, which brings blood to the testicle from the abdomen. If the testicle rotates several times, blood flow to it can be entirely blocked, causing damage more quickly.

It’s not clear why testicular torsion occurs. Most males who get testicular torsion have an inherited trait that allows the testicle to rotate freely inside the scrotum. This inherited condition often affects both testicles. But not every male with the trait will have testicular torsion.

Testicular torsion often occurs several hours after vigorous activity, after a minor injury to the testicles or while sleeping. Cold temperature or rapid growth of the testicle during puberty also might play a role.

Risk factors

• Age. Testicular torsion is most common between ages 12 and 18.
• Previous testicular torsion. If you’ve had testicular pain that went away without treatment (intermittent torsion and detorsion), it’s likely to occur again. The more frequent the bouts of pain, the higher the risk of testicular damage.
• Family history of testicular torsion. The condition can run in families.

Complications

Testicular torsion can cause the following complications:

• Damage to or death of the testicle. When testicular torsion is not treated for several hours, blocked blood flow can cause permanent damage to the testicle. If the testicle is badly damaged, it has to be surgically removed.
• Inability to father children. In some cases, damage or loss of a testicle affects a man’s ability to father children.

Prevention

Having testicles that can rotate in the scrotum is a trait inherited by some males. If you have this trait, the only way to prevent testicular torsion is surgery to attach both testicles to the inside of the scrotum.

Testicular torsion – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Testicular torsion occurs when a testicle rotates, twisting the spermatic cord that brings blood to the scrotum. The reduced blood flow causes sudden and often severe pain and swelling.

Testicular torsion

During testicular torsion a testicle rotates, twisting the spermatic cord that brings blood to the scrotum, the loose bag of skin under the penis that contains the testicles. The reduced blood flow causes sudden and often severe pain and swelling.

Testicular torsion is most common between ages 12 and 18, but it can occur at any age, even before birth.

Testicular torsion usually requires emergency surgery. If treated quickly, the testicle can usually be saved. But when blood flow has been cut off for too long, a testicle might become so badly damaged that it has to be removed.

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Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of testicular torsion include:

• Sudden, severe pain in the scrotum — the loose bag of skin under your penis that contains the testicles
• Swelling of the scrotum
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• A testicle that’s positioned higher than normal or at an unusual angle
• Frequent urination
• Fever

Young boys who have testicular torsion typically wake up due to scrotal pain in the middle of the night or early in the morning.

When to see a doctor

Seek emergency care for sudden or severe testicle pain. Prompt treatment can prevent severe damage or loss of your testicle if you have testicular torsion.

You also need to seek prompt medical help if you’ve had sudden testicle pain that goes away without treatment. This can occur when a testicle twists and then untwists on its own (intermittent torsion and detorsion). Surgery is frequently needed to prevent the problem from happening again.

Causes

Testicular torsion occurs when the testicle rotates on the spermatic cord, which brings blood to the testicle from the abdomen. If the testicle rotates several times, blood flow to it can be entirely blocked, causing damage more quickly.

It’s not clear why testicular torsion occurs. Most males who get testicular torsion have an inherited trait that allows the testicle to rotate freely inside the scrotum. This inherited condition often affects both testicles. But not every male with the trait will have testicular torsion.

Testicular torsion often occurs several hours after vigorous activity, after a minor injury to the testicles or while sleeping. Cold temperature or rapid growth of the testicle during puberty also might play a role.

Risk factors

• Age. Testicular torsion is most common between ages 12 and 18.
• Previous testicular torsion. If you’ve had testicular pain that went away without treatment (intermittent torsion and detorsion), it’s likely to occur again. The more frequent the bouts of pain, the higher the risk of testicular damage.
• Family history of testicular torsion. The condition can run in families.

Complications

Testicular torsion can cause the following complications:

• Damage to or death of the testicle. When testicular torsion is not treated for several hours, blocked blood flow can cause permanent damage to the testicle. If the testicle is badly damaged, it has to be surgically removed.
• Inability to father children. In some cases, damage or loss of a testicle affects a man’s ability to father children.

Prevention

Having testicles that can rotate in the scrotum is a trait inherited by some males. If you have this trait, the only way to prevent testicular torsion is surgery to attach both testicles to the inside of the scrotum.

Testicular infarction. What is testicular infarction?

IMPORTANT
The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

A testicular infarction is the necrosis of the tissues of the gland due to impaired blood circulation. Symptoms depend on the prevalence of the process. With a segmental infarction, a painful dense formation is palpated, accompanied by edema. Extensive testicular infarction has clinical manifestations similar to acute orchiepididymitis, torsion: severe pain, enlargement of the scrotum on the side of the lesion, hyperemia. Diagnosis is based on the results of ultrasound with dopplerography, MRI, histological examination. The ambiguity of the data is an indication for a diagnostic operation. Treatment correlates with the depth of ischemia, the impossibility of normalizing blood flow implies orchiectomy.

ICD-10

N50.9 Disease of male genital organs, unspecified

• Causes
• Pathogenesis
• Classification
• Testicular infarction symptoms
• Complications
• Diagnostics
• Testicular infarction treatment
  • Conservative therapy
  • Surgical treatment
• Prognosis and prevention
• Prices for treatment

General information

Testicular infarction is registered in men of any age, including newborns. Most often, gonadal necrosis is detected as a result of ischemia, the death of testicular tissues due to vascular catastrophe is rare. In 70%, the exact cause cannot be determined, although some authors name potential triggers. According to statistics, adult patients with acute diseases of the scrotum account for 5-7% of all cases of urgent urological pathology, children – 20%. Specialists in the field of clinical andrology and urology consider early active management of testicular ischemia of any origin to be a priority, since untimely treatment entails irreversible consequences.

Testicular infarction

Causes

Testicular infarction potentiates testicular compression, torsion of its vascular pedicle or blockage of the lumen of the testicular artery. Pathology can be total (with involvement of the entire gonad) or segmented (with necrosis of part of the gland). The scale of the lesion depends on the severity of the provoking factor, the presence of concomitant conditions leading to changes in the blood system or blood vessels: vasculitis, periarteritis, sickle cell anemia. Conditions that cause necrosis of part or all of the testicle include:

• Injuries of the scrotum. Damage to the testis with a direct blow is often accompanied by rupture of blood vessels. Compression of the main arteries, veins and lymphatic drainage tracts exacerbates edema and blood extravasation, which initiates oxygen starvation and tissue destruction. In children, trauma to the gonad during childbirth leads to a violation of trophism and necrosis of all testicular structures. Some experts consider asphyxia during childbirth as a provoking factor for testicular infarction in a newborn.
• Urgent conditions. When the gonad is twisted, the inflow and outflow of blood is disturbed. The predisposing factor is cryptorchidism. Full torsion potentiates significant venous occlusion, arterial ischemia, which causes testicular infarction. A strangulated inguinal hernia affects the patency of the vessels that feed the gonad. Ischemia not associated with emergency surgical conditions is less common, due to the abundant blood supply to the testes.
• Inflammatory process. A heart attack is rarely provoked by orchitis, but with background immunosuppression of any origin (HIV infection, diabetes, hormone intake), without timely adequate therapy, necrosis of tissue structures may occur due to edema that prevents blood supply. Ischemic inflammation in the testis manifests itself 2-3 days after interventions on the pelvic organs, when the structures responsible for the life support of the testicle are damaged. It is associated not only with alteration, but with thrombosis, angiospasm.

Predisposing factors include a sharp increase in intra-abdominal pressure as a result of overstrain, masturbation, intense sexual intercourse. Recently, the role of the atherosclerotic process has been proven, when the formation of a cholesterol embolus can cause occlusion of the feeding vessel. The likelihood of local ischemia is increased by congenital malformations, microangiopathy as a complication of diabetes mellitus, and wearing tight underwear.

Pathogenesis

Testicular infarction can be hemorrhagic or ischemic. In the first case, the cause is a hemorrhage with a violation of the integrity of the vessels, in the second – the development of acute ischemia due to compression or obstruction. Ischemic infarction is caused by any factor that cuts off the blood supply to the gonad from the testicular artery: torsion, thrombus, immobile large embolism, vascular changes due to severe vasculitis. Complete blockage of blood circulation after 15-20 minutes triggers destructive processes, after 6-12 hours ischemia initiates the death of testicular structures.

Hemorrhagic infarction is usually segmental, associated with embolic events, impaired microcirculation. Pathology is secondary to inguinal hernia surgery, varicocele. Similar changes occur with orchiepididymitis, when venous circulation is disturbed due to massive inflammatory edema. Conditions associated with increased blood clotting also cause blockage of the veins with subsequent tissue necrosis. There are observations on the development of hemorrhagic testicular infarction in response to thrombosis of the inferior vena cava.

Classification

Allocate hemorrhagic, ischemic and idiopathic infarction. According to histological signs, it is possible to establish the duration of the existence of the pathology. The presence of coagulative necrosis, erythrocytes, fibrin extravasation is considered an indicator of acute infarction. The cessation of sperm production in the seminiferous tubules with thickening of the basement membrane is considered as a subacute process. Chronic infarction is defined by foci of sclerosed seminiferous tubules with hyalinized interstitial fibrosis. Depending on the scale of the lesion develops:

• Segmental infarction. It is rare, predominantly in men aged 20-40 years, in 70-80% it is considered idiopathic. Any localization is possible, but the lesion of the upper segment of the gonad is more typical. The nature of the pathology is more often established after orchiectomy according to the results of histological examination.
• Total heart attack. It is recorded mainly in infants and boys in prepuberty, which is associated with imperfection of the ligamentous apparatus, congenital anomalies of the structure, disproportionate development of the genital organs. In adults, a total heart attack is detected against the background of acute orchiepididymitis.

Testicular infarction symptoms

The most common symptom of a focal process is testicular pain, which is nonspecific and indistinguishable from pain in other diseases of the scrotum. Painful motionless (adhered to the surrounding tissues, more often in the upper pole of the gland) formation is palpated, the testicle itself is somewhat swollen, other tissues are not changed. The increase in symptoms usually occurs gradually over 2-3 days, the irradiation of pain can be any.

With a total lesion of the gonad, the clinical manifestations are bright, pain occurs suddenly, due to the main pathology – bruise, torsion, pinching. The testicle significantly increases in size, dense, tense. Skin color is variable, initially ischemia leads to a whitish coloration (no microcirculation of blood), then a bluish tint appears, an increase in temperature is noted. The severity of sensations borders on pain shock, tachycardia, pallor, clammy sweat, and collapse are typical. Sometimes there is nausea, vomiting, confusion.

Complications

Testicular infarction is a complication of a number of urological conditions, its negative consequences are expressed in the loss of the gonad. With a one-sided process, the function of producing spermatozoa and testosterone production is performed by the second gonad. With concomitant vascular pathologies or against the background of a bilateral lesion, for example, with underdevelopment of the ligamentous apparatus that fixes the testicles to the scrotum, a repetition of the situation cannot be ruled out. Repeated heart attacks can lead to hypogonadism with lifelong hormone replacement therapy, infertility.

Initially, necrosis is aseptic, but when the secondary microflora is attached, the affected gonad becomes a source of infection. There is a possibility of abscessing, the risk of developing Fournier’s gangrene, a purulent-necrotic fasciitis with high mortality, increases. In some men, after an orchiectomy, a decrease in sexual function is recorded, which is also associated with psychological aspects. Patients after conservative treatment should be observed by a urologist due to an increased likelihood of developing cancer within 10-13 years.

Diagnostics

Early diagnosis of acute scrotal conditions is extremely important, since the timely initiation of therapy ensures the prevention of complications. After a conversation with the patient, during which the circumstances of the development of the disease and contributing factors are clarified, the urologist proceeds to a physical examination. The use of modern methods of examination (MRI, duplex testicular scanning) in focal infarction allows avoiding organ-removing surgery. The diagnostic algorithm includes:

• Laboratory tests. In the general blood test, the number of leukocytes is above normal, ESR is accelerated, C-reactive protein is detected; indicators tend to increase. For differential diagnosis between focal infarction and a malignant neoplasm of the gonad, tests are prescribed for tumor markers: AFP, β-hCG, LDH, which increase in 60% of cases with oncological lesions.
• Imaging techniques. Ultrasound scanning is considered the gold standard for all types of pain in the scrotum. With a localized infarction, a wedge-shaped hypoechoic lesion with signs of ischemia is located. With ambiguous results (suspicion of a hypovascular tumor), an MRI of the genitals is indicated. Duplex scanning allows you to assess the pulsation of the testicular artery, with extensive necrosis it is absent.
• Search operation. If it is impossible to establish the cause of an acute scrotum, they resort to a diagnostic surgical intervention: they cut the skin of the scrotum, conduct an audit of the internal structures (testis, epididymis, appendage pendants, vascular bundle). If necessary, detorsion (unwinding) is performed during testicular torsion, tissue viability is assessed.

Differential diagnosis is carried out with allergic swelling of the scrotum, purulent-inflammatory diseases: abscess, phlegmon, erysipelas. With a partial infarction of the gonad, there is always a suspicion of a tumor process. With orchiepididymitis, in addition to a sharp pain in the testicle, there is a pronounced increase in temperature, but hyperthermia can develop several hours after a heart attack or testicular torsion. The final diagnosis can be established only after a comprehensive examination.

Testicular infarction treatment

The choice of methods of therapy is influenced by the pathogenetic factor, the possibility of restoring blood flow, and the age of the patient. The degree of destructive changes correlates with the duration of obstruction of the vessels of the spermatic cord. With ischemia lasting less than 6 hours, the probability of a successful outcome remains 90-100%. After 12-24 hours, tissue death is recorded in 20-50%. After a day, the probability of saving the testicle is 0-10%, orchiectomy is required. With a total infarction, the gonad is removed completely, with a segmental process, local excision of altered tissues is possible.

Conservative therapy

With extensive testicular infarction is not applicable. The management of segmented necrosis remains controversial, but confidence in a local lesion confirmed by duplex scanning and MRI leaves the possibility of prescribing medications to improve blood circulation, antispasmodics, and blood thinners. A prerequisite is monitoring the state in dynamics. With the failure of therapy, an increase in the focus resort to surgical intervention.

Surgical treatment

Urologists consider the condition as urgent, operations are carried out on an emergency basis. In the localized form, the goal of the intervention is to preserve healthy testicular tissue. Partial orchiectomy is considered the best choice for younger patients. However, most cases of segmental testicular infarction end with organ removal surgery due to the inability to exclude a malignant lesion.

After exposure of the testis, the doctor evaluates the color of the gland tissue, in large centers it is possible to conduct an intraoperative histological examination to differentiate between a tumor and a focal infarction. When twisting, unwinding is performed, after restoration of blood flow, the testicle is fixed to the scrotum (orchidopexy). Idiopathic infarction implies total orchiectomy due to the likelihood of developing a purulent-necrotic process, atrophy with malignancy. In the remote period, plastic surgery is possible with the restoration of the normal anatomical dimensions of the scrotum.

Testicular infarction. Macroperparat. (photo by D.S. Davydov)

In the postoperative period, antibiotics, means to improve blood supply, vitamins are prescribed. To prevent hydrocele, it is recommended to wear a suspensorium, avoid lifting weights. Sexual life can be resumed after 4-6 weeks. The transferred ischemia negatively affects spermatogenesis, even with a favorable course for 36-40 weeks, the full production of spermatozoa and testosterone by the affected gonad remains impaired.

Prognosis and prevention

With timely treatment and treatment, the prognosis for life is favorable. After a unilateral lesion, the state of hypogonadism (androgen deficiency), infertility does not develop. Undiagnosed testicular infarction against the background of torsion of the vessels of the cord with spontaneous detorsion (untwisting) leads to atrophy of the gland with the risk of malignancy, so it is recommended to remove the testicle even in the absence of pain.

Prevention implies a careful attitude to the organs of the scrotum: wearing protective equipment during traumatic sports, choosing clothes for the season, timely treatment of chronic urological diseases. Refusal of casual sexual intercourse prevents infection with STDs, which are often complicated by orchitis. In vascular pathologies, it is important to take drugs to improve the rheological properties of the blood, the condition of the vascular wall. Newborn boys should be examined by a urologist for the timely detection of cryptorchidism.

You can share your medical history, what helped you in the treatment of testicular infarction.

Sources

1. Long-term results of surgical treatment of acute testicular diseases in children. Abstract of the dissertation / Majid Amin Abdul-Kader Mogalles – 2004.
2. Idiopathic testicular infarction. Acute testicular disease in children: A practical guide / Bolotov Yu.N. – 2014.
3. Segmental testicular infarction: conservative management is feasible and safe/ Madaan S, Joniau S, Klockaerts K Costa M, Calleja R, Ball RY, Burgess N.// Eur Urol – 2008 – No. 53.
4. This article was prepared based on the materials of the site: https://www. krasotaimedicina.ru/

IMPORTANT
Information from this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

stages, consequences, what is dangerous, how to treat

Varicocele is a varicose vein of the spermatic cord of the testis. Violations of blood flow lead to stagnation in tissues, their atrophy, in about 10% of cases it contributes to infertility. Varicocele in men is successfully treated by surgery, even at the most advanced stages.

What is a varicocele and why is it dangerous?

1. Why does testicular varicose veins occur?
2. Symptoms of testicular varicocele
   1. Is it possible to visually determine a varicocele
   2. What can hurt with varicocele
3. What are the stages of testicular varicose veins or varicose veins on the testicles
   1. Varicocele 1st degree
   2. Varicocele grade 2
   3. Varicocele grade 3
4. What is dangerous varicose veins of the spermatic cord
   1. How does varicocele affect sex life?
5. Treatment methods for testicular varicocele and which doctor to contact
6. Disease prevention

Why testicular varicose veins occur

Varicose veins of the spermatic cord are most often caused by a genetic predisposition (weakness of the vessel walls).

Let’s list other causes of varicose veins in men on the testicles:

• high venous pressure in the small pelvis;
• regular strenuous exercise, legwork, cycling;
• injuries of the scrotum and groin;
• tumors.

Important!

The risk of developing varicocele is significantly increased by past infections of the genitourinary system (urethritis, prostatitis). Sometimes the causes of varicocele lie in the transferred sexually transmitted diseases, for example, gonorrhea.

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Symptoms of testicular varicocele

At the initial stage of the disease, symptoms are virtually invisible. Later, it becomes more pronounced and is characterized by a deterioration in well-being. The patient may note minor pains that make themselves felt after physical exertion and pass while lying down.

We list other symptoms that testicular varicose veins in men have:

• drawing pains in the groin area, increasing with heavy physical exertion and in a state of sexual arousal;
• asymmetry of the scrotum;
• heaviness and pain in testicles;

Is it possible to visually identify varicocele? It is indicated by such signs revealed during visual self-examination and palpation:

• testicles lost elasticity;
• outwardly the veins become more pronounced, resembling a “ball of worms”;
• Enlarged vessels are clearly visible when the man is standing or lying down.

What can hurt with varicocele

Running testicular varicose veins provokes discomfort, which are mostly dull, aching in nature, aggravated after physical exertion and sexual intercourse. Most often, patients complain of pain in the scrotum and perineum. This indicates that the spermatic cord hurts.

Important!

The most pronounced and severe pain becomes in the evening and at night. At stage 2 of the disease, you can alleviate your condition by taking a horizontal position for several hours. But on 3 and 4 this is not enough: the pain syndrome almost does not go away after rest, pursuing the patient virtually around the clock. Therefore, it is not recommended to delay a visit to the doctor.

What are the stages of testicular varicose

Varicose veins of the spermatic cord has several stages, each of which is characterized by its own characteristics. As the disease progresses, the health and quality of a man’s sexual life worsens, and the risk of infertility increases.

Varicocele of the 1st degree

It is characterized by mild symptoms and blurred clinical picture. A slight discomfort in the testicles is usually attributed to other causes. The following factors contribute to the aggravation of the condition and the transition of the disease to stage 2:

• Injuries of the testicle and scrotum.
• Kidney problems causing impaired blood flow in the testicular vein.

Grade 1 varicocele can only be diagnosed during a special ultrasound examination.

Varicocele 2nd degree

Initially, pain and general symptoms do not actually increase. But the swelling of the veins, which is felt during self-examination and palpation, should alert. There may also be a slight increase in temperature, which makes it difficult for blood to flow to the testicles, which, in turn, leads to a slowdown in sperm growth.

Then the pain and discomfort become more and more distinct. Edema manifests itself especially clearly during the heat, in the evening, with a sedentary lifestyle.

Varicocele grade 3

This is the most advanced stage. It is characterized by pain and deterioration of well-being. The testicle undergoes strong visual changes, decreases in size. The scrotum, on the contrary, is getting larger due to constant edema. The veins are visible to the touch and visually. Pain can haunt the patient around the clock.

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What is the danger of varicose veins of the spermatic cord

The consequences of varicocele can be the most deplorable:

• Infertility. Due to the increase in temperature in the testicles, the level of oxygen in the scrotum decreases, so the maturation and production of sperm become impossible.
• Inability to play sports. The presence of a varicocele prohibits any sports activity associated with the tension of the abdominal muscles.

Aesthetic defect. If the pathology is not operated on, the scrotum sags over time, and a pronounced venous network appears on the testicles. Many men and adolescents with advanced varicocele experience discomfort due to these visual changes.

How varicocele affects sexual life

Contrary to popular stereotype, there is no direct connection between varicocele and impotence. But the quality of sexual life is deteriorating, because with the progression of the disease, the pain syndrome also increases. Its severity affects the duration of sexual intercourse and sexual desire.

Methods of treatment of testicular varicocele and which doctor to contact

Medical treatment of the disease is carried out by conservative and surgical methods. For help, you need to contact a urologist-andrologist. Conservative therapy is possible with normal spermogram parameters. To improve the patient’s condition, medication is prescribed to normalize blood pressure, massage and therapeutic exercises. You will also need to wear special corrective underwear.

But most often the only way to get rid of the pathology and avoid complications is surgery.