WHAT CAUSES TESTICULAR PAIN?
Read below for common causes of testicular pain.
EPIDIDYMITIS
Epididymitis, an infection of the epididymis (the organ where the sperm mature before exiting the body) can cause testicular pain.
Symptoms of epididymitis can include:
- Pain that gradually increases
- A scrotum that feels hot to the touch
- Swelling
- Sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Doctors usually treat these conditions with antibiotics.
KIDNEY STONES
Kidney stones can cause pain that radiates to the testicles. Doctors call this referred pain, where the pain occurs beyond the area that is causing the problem.
To learn more about kidney stones, click here.
Doctors may advise waiting for the kidney stones to pass. However, if a stone has not passed after some time or a person starts to experience symptoms of an infection, such as a fever or discharge, they should seek treatment as soon as possible.
Treatments can include surgery to remove the stone or shock-wave lithotripsy, which delivers shock waves to break up the stones.
ORCHITIS
Orchitis, an infection and inflammation of the testicle, can lead to testicular pain. Untreated epididymitis can lead to orchitis.
Symptoms of orchitis can include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Nausea
- Testicular pain
- Swelling in one or both testicles
- Vomiting
People should seek immediate treatment for orchitis. Sometimes the pain can be so severe that it is similar to testicular torsion, which is a medical emergency.
TESTICULAR TORSION
Testicular torsion is a serious medical condition that occurs when the testicle twists around the spermatic cord, which carries sperm from the testicles to the urethra.
To learn more about Testicular Torsion, click here.
TESTICULAR CANCER
A testicular tumor can cause pain and swelling in the testicular area. Other symptoms may include:
- A dull ache in the groin
- A lump in the testicle
- Testicular swelling
Symptoms of a testicular tumor can resemble several other conditions that affect men, such as inguinal hernias and epididymitis. A doctor can help diagnose the tumor or other underlying condition.
TRAUMA
A blow to the testicles can cause bruising, pain, and swelling. A testicle can also rupture or develop a hematocele. A hematocele occurs when blood pools around the testicle and presses on it, affecting blood flow.
If a person has experienced a blow to the testicles and is experiencing pain and swelling, it is best to seek urgent medical attention.
VARICOCELES
Varicoceles are abnormally large or twisted veins in the testicles. Sometimes, varicoceles do not cause any symptoms. When they do, a person may notice testicular pain that gets worse with physical activity or over the day. Varicoceles may also affect a person’s fertility.
Doctors do not know what causes varicoceles, but they can usually treat them with surgery.