Testicle pain

Alternative names

Pain - testicle(s)

Definition

Testicle pain is discomfort in one or both testicles. The pain sometimes radiates to the lower abdomen.

Considerations

The testicles, which sit inside the scrotum, are very sensitive. Even a minor injury can cause pain or discomfort. When severe testicle pain begins suddenly, however, it is an emergency.

If a young man has Abdominal pain, the scrotum should always be carefully examined. Abdominal pain may occur before testicle pain in some conditions, such as testicular torsion. This is a twisting of the testicles that can cut off their blood supply, causing tissue to die within hours. If tissue does die, then fertility may be affected, and the testicle may have to be removed.

Testicular cancer is usually painless. But any Testicle lump should be evaluated by your doctor, whether or not there is pain.

Common 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 bacteria like chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease.
  
• 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