What are the main causes of scrotal swelling. How can you identify symptoms of scrotal swelling. What treatment options are available for scrotal swelling. When should you seek medical attention for scrotal swelling.

Understanding Scrotal Swelling: An Overview

Scrotal swelling refers to an enlargement of the scrotal sac, which houses the testicles. This condition can arise from various causes, ranging from minor injuries to serious medical conditions. The swelling may develop rapidly or gradually over time, and it can be accompanied by pain or discomfort in some cases.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of scrotal swelling is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. While some instances of swelling may resolve on their own, others require immediate medical attention to prevent potential complications.

Common Causes of Scrotal Swelling

Scrotal swelling can result from numerous factors, including:

• Injury or trauma to the scrotal area
• Testicular torsion
• Testicular cancer
• Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)
• Orchitis (inflammation of the testicles)
• Hydrocele (fluid accumulation)
• Inguinal hernia
• Epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis)
• Congestive heart failure
• Skin infections or inflammation

Understanding these potential causes can help individuals identify when to seek medical attention and aid healthcare providers in determining the appropriate course of treatment.

Testicular Torsion: A Medical Emergency

Among the various causes of scrotal swelling, testicular torsion demands particular attention due to its urgent nature. This condition occurs when a testicle rotates, twisting the spermatic cord and cutting off blood supply to the affected testicle. Testicular torsion is characterized by sudden, severe pain and rapid onset of swelling.

Is testicular torsion a time-sensitive condition? Absolutely. Without prompt medical intervention, testicular torsion can lead to tissue death within hours, potentially resulting in the loss of the affected testicle. Therefore, any sudden, intense scrotal pain accompanied by swelling should be treated as a medical emergency.

Recognizing Symptoms of Scrotal Swelling

While scrotal swelling itself is a visible symptom, it often occurs in conjunction with other signs that can help identify the underlying cause. Common symptoms associated with scrotal swelling include:

1. Visible enlargement of the scrotal sac
2. Pain or discomfort in the testicles or scrotum
3. Presence of a lump in the testicle
4. Redness or warmth in the scrotal area
5. Fever (in cases of infection)
6. Nausea or vomiting (particularly with testicular torsion)
7. Difficulty urinating

The specific combination and severity of symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause of the swelling. It’s important to note that some conditions, such as testicular cancer, may initially present with painless swelling, emphasizing the need for regular self-examinations and medical check-ups.

Diagnosis and Medical Evaluation

When seeking medical attention for scrotal swelling, healthcare providers typically follow a systematic approach to diagnosis:

1. Medical history: The doctor will inquire about the onset of symptoms, any recent injuries, and relevant medical conditions.
2. Physical examination: A thorough inspection and palpation of the scrotal area will be performed to assess the extent and nature of the swelling.
3. Imaging studies: In many cases, a scrotal ultrasound is conducted to visualize the internal structures of the scrotum and identify any abnormalities.
4. Additional tests: Depending on the suspected cause, blood tests, urine analysis, or other diagnostic procedures may be ordered.

How does a scrotal ultrasound aid in diagnosis? This non-invasive imaging technique allows doctors to detect fluid accumulation, masses, or abnormalities in blood flow within the scrotum. It plays a crucial role in differentiating between various causes of scrotal swelling and guiding treatment decisions.

Treatment Options for Scrotal Swelling

The treatment approach for scrotal swelling varies significantly based on the underlying cause. Some common treatment options include:

• Rest and ice application for minor injuries
• Antibiotics for bacterial infections like epididymitis
• Surgical intervention for conditions such as testicular torsion or severe hydrocele
• Pain management medications
• Cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery) for testicular cancer
• Supportive measures like scrotal support garments

In cases of testicular torsion, emergency surgery is typically required to restore blood flow and save the affected testicle. For less urgent conditions, treatment may be more conservative, focusing on symptom relief and addressing the root cause.

At-Home Care and Prevention

While professional medical care is essential for many causes of scrotal swelling, there are steps individuals can take to manage minor swelling and prevent future occurrences:

• Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling and alleviate pain
• Wear supportive underwear or athletic supporters during physical activities
• Practice good hygiene to prevent skin infections
• Perform regular self-examinations to detect changes early
• Avoid activities that may lead to scrotal injury

These measures can complement medical treatments and contribute to overall scrotal health. However, they should not replace professional medical advice and care when needed.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Certain symptoms associated with scrotal swelling warrant urgent medical evaluation. Individuals should seek emergency care if they experience:

• Sudden, severe scrotal pain
• Rapid onset of swelling
• Nausea and vomiting along with scrotal pain
• Fever accompanied by scrotal swelling
• Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or discharge

Why is prompt medical attention crucial in these cases? Delaying treatment for conditions like testicular torsion or severe infections can lead to irreversible damage, including potential loss of the affected testicle. Early intervention significantly improves outcomes and reduces the risk of complications.

Long-Term Outlook and Follow-Up Care

The prognosis for scrotal swelling largely depends on the underlying cause and the timeliness of treatment. Many cases resolve completely with appropriate care, while others may require ongoing management or follow-up.

After initial treatment, healthcare providers may recommend:

• Follow-up appointments to monitor recovery
• Regular self-examinations to detect any recurrence or new issues
• Lifestyle modifications to prevent future episodes
• Periodic imaging studies for certain conditions

Adhering to these recommendations and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers can help ensure optimal long-term outcomes and scrotal health.

Emotional and Psychological Considerations

Experiencing scrotal swelling can be emotionally distressing for many individuals. It’s important to acknowledge the potential psychological impact and seek support when needed. Healthcare providers can offer resources and referrals to mental health professionals who specialize in helping patients cope with urological conditions and their effects on quality of life.

Open discussions about concerns, fears, and the impact on self-image or relationships can contribute to holistic healing and improved overall well-being.

Scrotal Swelling: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Scrotal Swelling: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

• Health Conditions
  • Featured
    • Breast Cancer
    • IBD
    • Migraine
    • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis
    • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Articles
    • Acid Reflux
    • ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Alzheimer’s & Dementia
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Cancer
    • Crohn’s Disease
    • Chronic Pain
    • Cold & Flu
    • COPD
    • Depression
    • Fibromyalgia
    • Heart Disease
    • High Cholesterol
    • HIV
    • Hypertension
    • IPF
    • Osteoarthritis
    • Psoriasis
    • Skin Disorders and Care
    • STDs
• Discover
  • Wellness Topics
    • Nutrition
    • Fitness
    • Skin Care
    • Sexual Health
    • Women’s Health
    • Mental Well-Being
    • Sleep
  • Product Reviews
    • Vitamins & Supplements
    • Sleep
    • Mental Health
    • Nutrition
    • At-Home Testing
    • CBD
    • Men’s Health
  • Original Series
    • Fresh Food Fast
    • Diagnosis Diaries
    • You’re Not Alone
    • Present Tense
  • Video Series
    • Youth in Focus
    • Healthy Harvest
    • No More Silence
    • Future of Health
• Plan
  • Health Challenges
    • Mindful Eating
    • Sugar Savvy
    • Move Your Body
    • Gut Health
    • Mood Foods
    • Align Your Spine
  • Find Care
    • Primary Care
    • Mental Health
    • OB-GYN
    • Dermatologists
    • Neurologists
    • Cardiologists
    • Orthopedists
  • Lifestyle Quizzes
    • Weight Management
    • Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
    • Are You a Workaholic?
    • How Well Do You Sleep?
  • Tools & Resources
    • Health News
    • Find a Diet
    • Find Healthy Snacks
    • Drugs A-Z
    • Health A-Z
• Connect
  • • Breast Cancer
    • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
    • Psoriatic Arthritis
    • Migraine
    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Psoriasis

Medically reviewed by J. Keith Fisher, MD — By April Kahn — Updated on April 10, 2023

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Scrotal swelling is an enlargement of the scrotal sac, or scrotum, which houses the testicles. It can be caused by injury, an underlying medical condition, a buildup of fluid, inflammation, or an abnormal growth within the scrotum.

The swelling may be painless or very painful. If the swelling is painful, seek emergency treatment. In severe cases and depending on the cause, not receiving timely treatment can result in the loss of your testicles due to the death of tissue.

Scrotal swelling can happen rapidly or slowly over time. One of the main causes of painful scrotal swelling is testicular torsion. This is an injury or an event that causes a testicle in the scrotal sac to twist and cut off blood circulation. This very painful injury could cause tissue death to the scrotum in a matter of hours.

Medical conditions and diseases can also cause the scrotum to swell. These conditions include:

• trauma
• testicular cancer
• abnormally enlarged veins in the scrotum
• acute inflammation of the testes, called orchitis
• swelling due to increased fluid, called hydrocele
• hernia
• inflammation or infection in the epididymis, called epididymitis
• congestive heart failure
• inflammation or infection of the scrotal skin

Other symptoms related to these conditions may be present before scrotal swelling.

In addition to a visible enlargement of the scrotal sac, you may have additional symptoms. The symptoms you experience will depend on the cause of the swelling.

Common symptoms that may be experienced alongside scrotal swelling include a lump in the testicle and pain in the testicles or scrotum.

Contact your doctor if you notice either of these symptoms.

Mention to your doctor any symptoms you’re experiencing with the scrotal swelling. Let them know if your scrotum is painful or contains a lump. After gathering this information, your doctor will perform a physical examination.

The examination will include a physical inspection of the scrotum. At this point, they will ask when you noticed the swelling and what activities you were doing before the swelling.

If necessary, the doctor may perform a scrotal ultrasound to view the inside of the scrotum. This imaging test will let them see if there are any abnormalities within the scrotal sac.

You can book an appointment with a primary care doctor in your area using our Healthline FindCare tool.

The outlook for scrotal swelling varies depending on the severity of the swelling and the cause. Swelling due to injury will generally pass with time, while other causes require extensive treatment. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, the outlook is generally good.

Last medically reviewed on July 2, 2019

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Testicular torsion.
  mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/testicular-torsion/basics/definition/con-20033130
• Scrotal swelling in children. (n.d.).
  urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=160&ContentID=59
• Testicle lumps and swellings. (2017).
  nhs.uk/Conditions/Testicular-lumps-benign/Pages/Causes.aspx

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Apr 10, 2023

Written By

April Kahn

Edited By

Frank Crooks

Jul 2, 2019

Medically Reviewed By

Keith Fisher

Share this article

Medically reviewed by J. Keith Fisher, MD — By April Kahn — Updated on April 10, 2023

Read this next

• Testicular Ultrasound

  Medically reviewed by Joseph Brito III, MD

  A testicular ultrasound is the primary imaging method used to observe and diagnose abnormalities. This includes benign and malignant conditions. Learn…

  READ MORE

• What You Should Know About Testicle Lumps

  Medically reviewed by Kevin Martinez, M.D.

  A testicle lump is a fairly common condition that can have many different causes. We explain the symptoms of a testicle lump, its causes, diagnosis…

  READ MORE

• What’s the Average Testicle Size?

  Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M. D.

  What is the average testicle size, and does size affect your testosterone, fertility, and sex drive? We explain what’s normal, at what age your…

  READ MORE

• What Causes Bruised Testicles, and How Are They Treated?

  Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M.D.

  A testicle bruise happens when the arteries and veins in the skin that surround the testicles break open, causing blood to leak under the skin. If…

  READ MORE

• Why Is My Penis Purple? 6 Possible Causes

  Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M.D.

  If your penis has turned an unusual shade of red or purple, you may be experiencing an infection or another underlying condition. Here’s what to do.

  READ MORE

• Penile Melanosis

  Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH

  Penile melanosis is characterized by small patches of dark skin on the penis. We’ll explain possible causes and treatment options.

  READ MORE

• 6 Best At-Home Testosterone Test Kits in 2023

  Medically reviewed by Matt Coward, MD, FACS

  Before you try a home testosterone test kit, make sure you understand how it works, how reliable it is, what information you’ll get, and what to do…

  READ MORE

• What Causes Red Spots on the Penis and How Are They Treated?

  Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M. D.

  In some cases, red spots on the penis may result from minor irritation and disappear in a day or two. Red spots that develop as a result of something…

  READ MORE

• What Causes Penile Swelling, and How Can I Treat It?

  Penile swelling is a sign of an underlying medical condition. Learn about the causes — some of which are medical emergencies — as well as treatment…

  READ MORE

Swollen Testicles | 6 Causes, Treatment, and More

A mild swollen testicle after an injury is common and often goes away after a few days. However, large, or sudden swelling should be immediately treated, as it may point to a more serious underlying condition. Read more below to learn 6 possible causes, treatment, and more.

6 most common causes

Testicular Torsion

Chlamydia Infection

Orchitis

Epididymitis

Nephrotic Syndrome

Illustration of a person thinking with cross bandaids.

Non-serious testicle injury

Testicular swelling quiz

Take a quiz to find out what’s causing your swelling.

Take testicular swelling quiz

Most common questions

✨ BETA

Take our testicular swelling quiz

Your response today was provided by ChatGPT trained on the proprietary content of this page. Please note, this tool is for information purposes only and not intended to be used as a substitute for professional advice. You assume responsibility for decisions made with your individual medical situation.

Was this information helpful?

Thank you! Buoy values your feedback. The more we know about what’s working – and what could improve – the better we can make our experience.

Testicular swelling symptoms

The testicles may seem to be somewhat vulnerable, yet their location also allows any problem to be quickly noted and readily treated.

It is important to have any testicular swelling symptoms treated right away in order to prevent possible loss of fertility. The medical provider will be glad to treat you, or to refer you to someone who can. Testicular swelling is also called scrotal swelling.

Common characteristics of swollen testicles

If you’re experiencing swollen testicles, it’s also likely to experience:

• Pain in one testicle or both testicles: This pain may be severe, moderate, or very mild.
• Pain in the pelvis, groin, lower abdomen, and/or low back
• Pain during urination: And/or ejaculation
• A lump in the testicle or scrotum
• A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the scrotum and/or the groin
• Redness and heat in the scrotum
• Visibly enlarged veins on the skin of the scrotum
• Abnormal discharge from the penis
• Blood in the semen
• Fever and chills
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin

Who is most often affected by testicular swelling symptoms?

Testicular swelling happens most often to men who:

• Are uncircumcised
• Have unprotected sex
• Have contracted a sexually transmitted disease
• Have another bacterial illness that migrates to the reproductive tract
• Have an enlarged or inflamed prostate
• Have a chronic cough or chronic constipation, with subsequent straining
• Are overweight or obese
• Have recently had a groin injury, urinary tract surgery, or a vasectomy
• Regularly use a urinary catheter
• Were born prematurely and/or with abnormalities of the urinary or reproductive tract: Fluid around the testes is most common in infants but can occur in adult men as well.

Are testicular swelling symptoms serious?

The severity of swollen testicles is ultimately dependent on the cause.

• Not serious: Mild swelling following a minor injury should clear up in just a few days.
• Moderately serious: Larger swelling in a testicle, along with pain, fever, and sometimes abnormal discharge, can lead to scar tissue and loss of fertility if not treated.
• Serious: Sudden severe pain and swelling in a testicle will result in loss of fertility if not immediately treated.

What causes testicular swelling?

Many conditions can have testicular swelling as a symptom. The most common are those involving trauma, disease, and structural abnormalities of the urinary and reproductive tracts, as well as tumors.

Most common testicular swelling cause types

The most common causes of testicle swelling includes the following.

• Trauma: Swelling is normal in any part of the body following a direct hit, especially while doing something like playing sports, falling down, or being involved in a car accident.
• Disease or illness : Acute inflammation of one or both testes may occur from either bacteria or virus. Inflammation of the epididymis may also lead to swelling, usually in men under 35, typically from a bacterial sexually transmitted disease; however, a urinary tract infection or an infected prostate gland can spread bacteria to the testicle. Superficial inflammation or infection of just the scrotal skin can also lead to swelling.

Less common testicular swelling causes

Less common causes of swollen testicles include the following.

• Torsion: This is twisting of the testicle on its spermatic cord (the blood supply).
• Accumulation of fluid in a sac that forms around the testicle: This usually occurs in infants but can happen in adult men as well.
• Inguinal hernia: With an inguinal hernia, a loop of intestine pushes through a weak spot in the tissue that lines the abdominal wall. The loop drops down into the scrotum, creating pain and what looks like a large swelling.
• If the veins on and within the scrotum become enlarged: This will interfere with blood supply and can affect fertility.

Allergies

Allergies can result in swollen testicles.

• Contact allergy: This may occur from something that has directly touched the skin, such as soap, lotions, irritating plants, or an insect bite.
• Systemic allergy: This may occur from something you have eaten or medications you have taken.

Edema, or fluid retention

Congestive heart failure can lead to system-wide edema.

Rare and unusual testicular swelling causes

The following, although possible, are the least likely causes of swollen testicles.

• Rare parasitic worms which can migrate into the scrotum: Especially in third-world countries.
• Tumor or other abnormal growths: Either benign or malignant [3,4]

This list does not constitute medical advice and may not accurately represent what you have.

Intermittent testicular torsion

Intermittent testicular torsion is also called ITT or chronic testicular torsion. Torsion refers to an abnormal twisting of the spermatic cord, which runs from each testicle up into the abdomen and carries blood vessels, nerves, and sperm-transporting ducts.

In intermittent cases, the testicle becomes untwisted on its own and the symptoms spontaneously resolve. The condition nearly always returns, however, and may continue to come and go.

The cause is believed to be a congenital abnormality that leaves the testicle insufficiently anchored within the scrotum.

Symptoms include sudden, severe groin and testicular pain with nausea and vomiting, followed by spontaneous relief of symptoms even without treatment.

Eventually, testicular torsion can result in loss of circulation followed by tissue death and loss of the testicle. Any type of testicular torsion is a medical emergency. Take the patient to the emergency room or call 9-1-1.

Diagnosis is made through physical examination and sometimes ultrasound.

Treatment involves emergency surgery to untwist the spermatic cord and anchor the testicle in its proper place within the scrotum.

Rarity: Rare

Top Symptoms: nausea, testicle pain that comes and goes, vomiting, pain in one testicle, testicular swelling

Symptoms that always occur with intermittent testicular torsion: testicle pain that comes and goes

Urgency: Primary care doctor

Testicular torsion

Testicular torsion is also called ATT or acute testicular infarction. It is a twisting of the spermatic cord, which runs from each testicle up into the abdomen and carries blood vessels, nerves, and sperm-transporting ducts.

The cause is believed to be a congenital abnormality that leaves the testicle insufficiently anchored within the scrotum.

Most susceptible are infant boys and boys just reaching puberty. Torsion may occur in older boys after an injury and/or an athletic workout.

Symptoms include sudden, severe, one-sided testicular pain and swelling, with nausea and vomiting.

Acute testicular torsion is a medical emergency. If not corrected immediately, the loss of blood flow can lead to infertility and loss of the testicle. Take the patient to the emergency room or call 9-1-1.

Diagnosis is made through physical examination and sometimes ultrasound.

Treatment involves first attempting to manually rotate the testicle back into place. If unsuccessful, surgery will be done to either correct the torsion or to remove the testicle if the damage is not reversible.

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is a condition where cells inside the testicle begin to grow out of control, forming a lump (called a tumor). These cells may spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.

You should visit your primary care physician who will coordinate care with a cancer surgery specialist (surgical oncologist). Testicular cancer responds well to surgical treatment.

Orchitis

Orchitis occurs when one or both testicles are inflamed. This is often caused by sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia. More rarely, orchitis is caused by a virus.

Antibiotics are needed to treat bacterial orchitis. If the cause is viral, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and ice packs may be used to treat symptoms.

Rarity: Rare

Top Symptoms: spontaneous testicle pain, fever, tender testicular swelling, muscle aches, new headache

Urgency: Primary care doctor

Non-serious testicle injury

Being struck in the testicles is very common, and despite the intense pain that follows, rarely requires professional medical care.

You can treat your painful scrotal injury with rest and optional application of ice. Be careful not to ice your scrotum for more than a couple minutes at a time.

Rarity: Rare

Top Symptoms: testicle pain from an injury, testicle injury

Symptoms that always occur with non-serious testicle injury: testicle injury

Urgency: Self-treatment

Nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome is a symptom of damage from other disease, not a disease in itself. This damage prevents proper filtering of the blood. Protein which should remain in the blood plasma instead leaks out into the urine.

The loss of normal protein in the blood causes swelling, especially in the legs and around the eyes, and it may spread to other parts of the body. Urine may appear foamy. There may be weight gain due to retained fluid.

Most susceptible are those with diabetes, lupus, heart failure, or another form of kidney or liver disease.

Nephrotic syndrome can lead to increased risk of infections and blood clots, as well as to further kidney damage and possible kidney failure.

Diagnosis involves finding the underlying disease that is causing the nephrotic syndrome, and begins with urine tests and blood tests. Sometimes kidney biopsy is done.

Treatment depends upon the underlying illness, and so will be different for different patients. Most cases are additionally treated with blood pressure control, diuretics, and improved diet.

Epididymitis

The epididymis is a coiled tube which stores sperm inside each testicle. Epididymitis is an inflammation of one or both of these tubes.

It is caused by a bacterial infection, most often from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Epididymitis can also be caused by a urinary tract or prostate infection, or by trauma due to injury or heavy lifting.

Males of any age can be affected, though men engaging in unprotected sex are most susceptible.

Symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain in the testicle; pain on urination or ejaculation; discharge from the penis; and blood in the semen.

Any of these symptoms should be treated by a medical provider as soon as possible in order to prevent abscess or permanent damage.

Diagnosis is made through physical examination; penile swab for STD tests; urine and blood tests; and sometimes ultrasound of the testicles.

Treatment involves antibiotics as well as rest, cold packs to the testicles, wearing an athletic supporter, and refraining from lifting and sexual intercourse until the infection is gone.

Chlamydia (male)

Chlamydia in men is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs. The disease is caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria.

A man can get chlamydia through having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner, either male or female.

Symptoms of chlamydia in men include discharge from the penis; burning sensation on urination; and sometimes pain and swelling in the testicles. The disease can spread to the rectum and cause rectal pain, bleeding, and discharge. It may affect the eyes and cause bacterial conjunctivitis.

It is important to get treatment for these symptoms, as chlamydia in men can lead to sterility. It also leaves a person more susceptible to contracting HIV.

Diagnosis is made through urine test and/or a swab from the end of the penis.

Treatment involves a course of antibiotics, usually by mouth, to kill the bacteria. Be sure to finish all of the medication as directed.

It is possible to be re-infected with chlamydia even after having the disease, so it still very important to practice safe sex.

Testicular swelling treatments and relief

When swollen testicles are an emergency

Seek immediate treatment in the emergency room, or call 911, if you have sudden severe pain and swelling in one or both testicles, along with nausea and vomiting. This is considered a medical emergency because it can result in tissue death and loss of the testicles.

When to see a doctor for swollen testicles

You should schedule an appointment sooner than later for pain, swelling, and fever with burning on urination and abnormal discharge from the penis.

At-home treatments for swollen testicles

For occasional or mild testicular swelling, or to find relief while you wait for your appointment, you can try the following remedies at home.

• Ice pack: If the pain seems minor, you can use an ice pack to reduce swelling.
• Pain medication: Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or other NSAIDs.
• Wear an athletic supporter to help take the pressure off of the testicles
• Rest and avoid strenuous activities: Especially lifting anything heavy
• Address overall health: Make lifestyle improvements in diet, exercise, and sleep
• Always use protection during sexual activity

FAQs about testicular swelling

Can a UTI cause testicular swelling?

Yes, urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause testicular swelling. Infections from the urethra can travel down the vas deferens to the epididymis or testes to cause an infection. Inflammation and swelling will result from the infection. The bacteria E. Coli and pseudomonas are the most common culprits in older men, while gonorrhea and chlamydia are the most common culprits in men under the age of 35.

Can STDs cause testicular swelling?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs, also known as sexually tranmitted infections) can cause testicular swelling in the same way that non-sexually transmitted urinary tract infections can cause testicular swelling. The mechanism involves colonization of the urethra by the organism and then traveling down the vas deferens to the epididymis or testes. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are the most common sexually transmitted causes of testicular swelling.

Can kidney stones cause testicular swelling?

While kidney stones can sometimes cause pain that radiates down to the testicles, they do not cause testicular swelling.

How long does testicular swelling last?

How long testicular swelling lasts depends on the cause. If testicular torsion is the cause, immediate detorsion is required within 48 hours of the onset of testicular swelling and pain. Symptoms should improve immediately after the procedure. In the case of an infection causing swelling, symptoms typically improve within 13 days of antibiotic treatment initiation, but it may take up to 4 weeks for complete resolution.

Why is only one of my testicles swollen?

Unilateral testicular swelling can occur due to the same reasons you may have bilateral testicular swelling torsion, infection, fluid collection, hernia so it is not very helpful in determining the etiology. More useful in evaluating the acute swelling is the nature and timing of the onset of pain, the particular area of the testicle that is swollen, and the presence of fever and lower urinary tract symptoms (e.g. frequency, urgency, painful urination). While a less common cause of swelling, a persistently enlarged testicle should be evaluated to exclude a malignant growth.

Jeffrey M. Rothschild, MD, MPH.

Associate Professor of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Dr. Rothschild has been a faculty member at Brigham and Women’s Hospital where he is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He currently practices as a hospitalist at Newton Wellesley Hospital. In 1978, Dr. Rothschild received his MD at the Medical College of Wisconsin and trained in internal medicine followed by a fellowship in critical care medicine. He also received an MP…

Read full bio

Was this article helpful?

57 people found this helpful

Tooltip Icon.

Copied to clipboard

Treatment of testicular cancer in men

Tumor (cancer) of the testicle is a malignant neoplasm that develops directly in the gonads of a man.

Article rating

3.33 (Voted: 3)

Contents

• Description of testicular tumor

• Symptoms of testicular cancer

• Diagnosis of a tumor (cancer) of the testicle

• Testicular cancer treatment

Description of a testicular tumor

Approximately 95% of tumors are germ cells, that is, arising from primary human germ cells, or “germ” cells. These cells are located in the sex glands – the gonads, from which testicles develop in men. Most germ cell tumors are characterized by a malignant course, they are extremely aggressive and capable of rapid and extensive spread of tumor cells from the infectious focus throughout the body through the blood and lymph. With modern therapeutic approaches, the prognosis has become relatively more favorable than before. If the process is limited to the limits of the testicle, then a cure is possible. If the infection spreads throughout the body, then a long-term remission is achieved, that is, a decrease or weakening of symptoms, but no cure occurs. The patient during remission can gain strength for further treatment, but it is also necessary to constantly be observed by the attending physician in order to maintain his condition. Remission is prolonged, but not durable, which can be caused by the patient’s behavior if he performs prolonged physical activity or leads an unhealthy lifestyle.

The peak incidence of germ cell tumors falls on the age period from 15 to 34 years. During this period, this is the most common oncological pathology in men, causing a 10% mortality rate from malignant neoplasms. However, if all age groups are taken into account, then the mortality from testicular tumors will be only about 0.15% of all cancer deaths.

In addition to germ cell tumors, there are also non-germ tumors. Non-germinogenic tumors are tumors that develop from the sex cord stroma, or gonadal stroma, which in turn consists of Leydig cells and Sertoli cells.

Leydig cell tumor is the best known type of sex cord stromal tumor. This formation has clear boundaries and a diameter of up to 5 cm. Such tumors have a large structure and a yellow or yellow-brown hue. In 30% of cases there are areas of hemorrhage or necrosis. About 10% of tumors from Leydig cells are malignant, the signs of which are large size, atypical cells, increased rate of division and increase in the number of cells, necrosis, rapid growth, spread beyond the testicular parenchyma.

Sertoli cell tumors account for less than 1% of testicular tumors. The average age of people with this disease is 45 years. It is very rare to find this disease in men under the age of 20 years. Tumors from Sertoli cells have a clear border, yellow, brown or white. Their diameter is 3.5 cm. Signs of a malignant tumor from Sertoli cells are large size, increased activity of cell division, necrosis, vascular invasion (penetration of tumor cells through the vessels)

In most cases, non-germinogenic neoplasms have a benign course. However, some of them produce steroids that cause endocrinological symptoms.

Symptoms of testicular cancer

The first sign of testicular cancer is the hardening of the gland and the appearance of a palpable (palpable) painless nodule in it. There may be pain in the affected testicle or scrotum (receptacle for the testicles), a feeling of heaviness, or a dull ache in the lower abdomen. As the tumor grows, the scrotum becomes asymmetrically enlarged and edematous. Pain in the chest and back may occur, which indicates the spread of metastases by transferring them through the blood vessels, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, weakness, gynecomastia, characterized by the production of female hormones and an increase in the mammary glands, the patient may lose weight.

Diagnosis of a tumor (cancer) of the testicle

Diagnosis of testicular cancer includes a physical examination (examination of the patient by a doctor using the senses, possibly using auxiliary medical instruments), diaphanoscopy (transillumination of the testicle with a narrow beam of light to determine the location of tumors), ultrasound of the testicles and scrotum ( this study helps to visualize the neoplasm, understand where it is located, determine the size of the tumor, study its internal structure), MRI (this method uses magnetic fields and radio waves and allows you to create a three-dimensional image of the area under study, MRI of the male genital organs is absolutely safe for the patient, however , the method allows a specialist to detect and identify the smallest structural elements of organs, identify possible pathologies and neoplasms already at an early stage), determination of tumor markers (it is necessary to take a blood test to determine the specific substances that tumor cells secrete), testicular biopsy with a morphological examination of tissues (sampling testicular fluids or tissues followed by microscopic examination). A biopsy is often a postoperative procedure and is done to determine the source of the disease and confirm the diagnosis made by the doctor.

Treatment of testicular cancer

Patients with asymptomatic small tumors are recommended orchifuniculectomy – removal of the testicle along with its appendage (a long, narrow, paired formation that lies along the posterior edge of each testicle and forms the main mass of the vas deferens). However, in the presence of a small intraparenchymal node, testicular resection (excision of the pathological part of the altered organ) is recommended with further histological examination of the material obtained.

Radiation therapy is also used in the treatment, based on the direction of radiation beams on the tumor, capable of eliminating the affected tissues. And chemotherapy, which treats the infection with drugs.

As a preventive measure, it is recommended to conduct a regular examination of the scrotum to detect pathological changes in a timely manner, to come for an annual examination to a urologist, to lead a healthy lifestyle and have a sexual life, using protective equipment.

symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, stages and prevention of oncology

Testicular cancer (testicular cancer) is a rather rare pathology, but you need to know about its nuances, because men of all ages are at risk: mostly from 15 to 40 years old. Moreover, it is a rather aggressive tumor that develops rapidly and significantly increases the risk of death in a neglected state.

Species

According to the structure, testicular cancer is isolated, which comes from the seminal epithelium, the stroma of the gonad, as well as a mixed variant. Most often (up to 95% of cases) we are talking about the first option. Such tumors are called germ cell. They are divided into different variants of neoplasms.

Symptoms

The first signs of testicular cancer do not appear immediately. In the early stages, the course of the disease is usually asymptomatic, only sometimes there is a feeling of heaviness, changes in the size of the testicle or scrotum are observed. This is a reason to immediately contact a urologist and undergo an examination.

As the disease progresses, the following symptoms and signs of testicular cancer may appear (increasingly):

• pain in the scrotum;
• the occurrence of a seal that can be felt by yourself;
• change in the consistency of the testicle (when compared with another) – the patient can also feel it himself;
• pain in the back – from this sign, we continue to talk about the symptoms characteristic of the course of the disease during metastasis;
• swelling of the lower extremities;
• problems with urination, in the work of the kidneys;
• shortness of breath and cough with lung involvement;
• enlarged supraclavicular lymph nodes.

If testicular cancer treatment is not started on time, metastases will spread very quickly, undermining the health of a man.

Sometimes it happens that the symptoms of testicular cancer are accompanied by additional changes against the background of strong hormonal disorders. In this case, there are a number of other signs:

• gynecomastia – that is, an increase in the mammary glands in a man;
• erectile dysfunction and decreased libido in adults;
• frequent and prolonged erections in boys – the symptom is precisely the duration and frequency, and not the fact of an erection itself, which is normal for boys;
• premature enlargement of the penis and early appearance of pubic hair;
• development of bones and muscles that is ahead of age.

Even taking into account the fact that there are many symptoms, you should not wait until the body reports serious problems. The first signs of testicular cancer in the form of a feeling of heaviness and changes in size already indicate that urgent qualified assistance is needed.

Causes and risk factors

Risk factors potentially affecting testicular cancer in men include:

• heredity;
• injury to the scrotum;
• undescended testicle or congenital underdevelopment of testicles;
• nevi and moles that may develop into malignant tumors;
• diseases of endocrine pathology;
• radiation, radiation, chemical effects;
• constant overheating of the scrotum;
• early puberty in a boy;
• unhealthy lifestyle: abuse of nicotine, alcohol, lack of activity.

Most often, cancer of the epididymis and the testicle itself are tall, thin men, as well as representatives of the white race.

Stages

One of the classifications used by oncologists distinguishes four stages of testicular cancer:

• 1st. Swelling and pathological nodules are observed in only one part of the scrotum.
• 2nd. Neoplasms grow (from 2 to 5 cm), nearby lymph nodes are involved in the process.
• 3rd. The tumor is clearly visible even without special devices. Lymph nodes on the chest and neck are enlarged.
• 4th. Metastases are observed in various organs and tissues, including the brain. Treatment is palliative support.

The most favorable for the treatment of the first and second stages of the disease.

Call +7 (495) 995-22-33 or leave a request
, we will call you back

I consent to the processing of the personal data specified by me for the purpose of processing applications on the terms of processing personal data in accordance with
“Personal data processing policy in JSC “Medicina”.

Diagnostics

To make a diagnosis, you need to make an appointment with an andrologist or urologist. The survey consists of the following components:

• Examination, palpation of problem areas, questioning the patient and taking anamnesis.
• ultrasound. The effectiveness of ultrasound in this case is very high.
• MRI or CT.
• Bone scintigraphy – necessary to detect metastases.
• Blood tests for tumor markers.
• Biopsy through inguinal access.

An interesting fact: one of the tumor markers is hCG. In women, the level of this substance increases during pregnancy. So some types of testicular cancer in the early stages can be detected with a pregnancy test.

Treatment

Testicular cancer is treated in three ways:

• Surgical intervention. During the operation, the damaged testicle is removed – either only it, or with adjacent lymph nodes.
• Chemotherapy. Usually prescribed after surgery.
• Radiation therapy – also given after surgery. The specific program is selected individually.

When treating testicular cancer, there is a risk of infertility and/or impotence (often temporary). If a man is still planning to become a father, he is recommended to freeze spermatozoa by cryopreservation.

As for rehabilitation after surgery, the timing and duration are individual. It depends, among other things, on the chosen chemotherapy drugs – on how a person tolerates the effects of such drugs. Clinical guidelines for testicular cancer are aimed at restoring the full life of the patient, if possible.

Forecasts

If the symptoms and signs of testicular cancer were not ignored in the early stages, with timely treatment, the five-year survival rate is 90-95%, that is, the prognosis is favorable. When treatment begins with stages 2-3, with proper treatment, survival rates of up to 85% can be achieved. The fourth stage has a less favorable prognosis – about 57%. But if the situation is running, the risks of death in the next three years are very high.

Prophylaxis

To reduce the risk of developing testicular cancer, you must adhere to the following preventive measures:

• Regularly (at least once a month) self-examine the scrotum and testicles for various lumps, masses, changes in size, etc.
• If any incomprehensible changes appear, seek advice from a urologist, andrologist.
• Lead a healthy lifestyle: give up smoking, alcohol, spend enough time in motion, eat healthy food.
• Avoid overheating of the scrotum and wearing too tight chafing clothing.
• Avoid various injuries to the genitals. If the injury did occur, be sure to see an andrologist.

Attention to one’s own health will help to avoid serious consequences or detect testicular cancer at the very initial stage, which will significantly increase the chances of recovery.

Statistics

The statistics of the disease vary greatly from country to country. For example, Denmark and Switzerland have one of the highest rates of testicular cancer – they suffer from 1 to 2% of men with diagnosed oncology. In Russia, the same figure is 0.6%. In the north of Europe, men suffer from this disease five times more often than in the south of the same region.

Call +7 (495) 995-22-33 or leave a request
, we will call you back

I consent to the processing of the personal data specified by me for the purpose of processing applications on the terms of processing personal data in accordance with
“Personal data processing policy in JSC “Medicina”.

Diagnostics and treatment of testicular cancer in Moscow

Having found the symptoms of testicular cancer (even the very initial ones), you should immediately contact an andrologist or urologist.