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Testicle pain
Definition
Testicle pain is discomfort in one or both testicles. The pain sometimes radiates to the lower abdomen.Alternative Names
Pain - testicle
Considerations
The testicles sit inside the scrotum. They are very sensitive. Even a minor injury can cause pain or discomfort to the testicles. Sudden, severe testicle pain, however, needs immediate medical care.
If a young man has abdominal pain, the scrotum should always be carefully examined. Abdominal pain may occur before testicle pain in some conditions, including testicular torsion. This is a twisting of the testicles that can cut off the blood supply and cause tissue to die. Testicular torsion is an emergency that needs to be treated within hours.
Testicular cancer is usually painless. But any testicle lump should be evaluated by your health care provider, whether or not there is pain.
Causes
Common causes of testicle pain include:
- Injury
- Infection or inflammation
- Testicular torsion -- most common in young men between 10 and 20 years old
Possible infections include:
- Epididymitis -- inflammation of the ducts through which sperm leaves the testicle. This is often caused by chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease, or a urinary tract infection that results from an inability to empty the bladder because of an enlarged prostate
- Orchitis -- inflammation of one or both testicles, which may be caused by bacteria or a virus like mumps. Orchitis can occur at the same time as epididymitis or prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland).
Fluid in the testicles often causes painless swelling, but may cause mild discomfort. There are several main types of fluid collection:
- Varicocele -- enlarged veins in the scrotum that carry blood away from the testicles.
- Spermatocele -- fluid in the epididymis that forms a cyst and often contains dead sperm cells.
- Hydrocele -- fluid in the area inside the scrotum, surrounding the testicle; common in newborns.
Pain may also be caused by a hernia or an unrelieved erection.
Home Care
Some causes of testicle pain, including testicular torsion, can lead to infertility if not treated promptly. Infections also should be examined and treated right away. If the infection is caused by bacteria, your health care provider will prescribe an antibiotic.
For non-urgent causes of testicle pain, such as minor injuries and fluid collection, the following home care steps may reduce discomfort and swelling:
- Provide support to the scrotum by wearing an athletic supporter.
- Apply ice to the scrotum.
- Take warm baths if there are signs of inflammation.
- While lying down, place a rolled towel under your scrotum.
- Try over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Do NOT give aspirin to children.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider immediately or go to an emergency room if:
- Your pain is severe or sudden
- You have had an injury or trauma to the scrotum, and you still have pain or swelling after one hour
- Your pain is accompanied by nausea or vomiting
Also call your health care provider right away if:
- You feel a lump in the scrotum
- You have a fever
- Your scrotum is warm, tender to the touch, or red
- You have been in contact with someone who has the mumps
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your health care provider will perform a physical examination with a focus on the groin, testicles, and abdomen. To help diagnose the cause of the pain, your health care provider will ask medical history questions such as:
- For how long have you had testicular pain?
- Is the pain in one testicle or both?
- Exactly where does it hurt?
- Did the pain begin suddenly or come on gradually?
- Is the pain constant or does it come and go?
- How severe is the pain?
- Is the pain getting worse or better?
- Does the pain reach into your abdomen or back?
- Have you had any recent injuries or infections?
- Have you ever had a sexually transmitted disease?
- What makes the pain worse?
- Does anything help relieve the pain?
- Do you have any other symptoms like swelling, redness, change in the color of your urine, fever, or unintentional weight loss?
The following tests may be performed:
- Ultrasound of the testicles
- Urinalysis and urine cultures
- Examination of prostate secretions
Treatment may include:
- Untwisting of the testicle (performed by an experienced health care provider)
- Simple surgery to fix testicular torsion (if untwisting does not work)
- Antibiotics for infections
- Pain medications to relieve discomfort
- Surgical drainage or removal of an abscess (rare)
- Surgery for a varicocele, hydrocele, or spermatocele, especially if the varicocele is affecting your fertility
Prevention
- Prevent testicle injury by wearing an athletic supporter during physical activity, especially contact sports.
- Prevent sexually transmitted diseases by wearing condoms and following other safe sex practices. If you are diagnosed with chlamydia or another STD, all of your sexual partners should be notified, examined, and treated, if they are infected.
- Perform testicular self-exams monthly if you are at risk for testicular cancer. See: Testicular self exam.
- Make sure that children have received the MMR vaccine (a combination vaccine for mumps, measles, and rubella).
- Emptying the bladder completely when urinating helps prevent urinary tract infections, which can lead to conditions that cause testicle pain.
References
Trojian TH, Lishnak TS, Heiman D. Epididymitis and Orchitis: An Overview. Am Fam Physician. April 2009; 79(7).
Wampler SM, Llanes M. Common scrotal and testicular problems. Prim Care. 2010;37:613-626.
Montgomery JS. Bloom DA. The diagnosis and management of scrotal masses. Med Clin North Am. 2011;95:235-244.
Schneck FX, Bellinger MF. Abnormalities of the testes and scrotum and their surgical management. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 127.
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Chief of Urology, Cambridge Health Alliance, Visiting Assistant Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
