Swollen testicles: seek medical advice quickly

---

Extract from the article: The testicles are part of the male reproductive system, producing sperm for reproduction and hormones such as testosterone. But sometimes these organs can become swollen. Why does this happen? What can be done about it?

---

The testicles are part of the male reproductive system, producing sperm for reproduction and hormones such as testosterone. But sometimes these organs can become swollen. Why does this happen? What can be done about it?

Testicular swelling refers to any situation that results in an increase in the volume of the testicle and the surrounding scrotal envelopes. This swelling can occur gradually and slowly, known as chronic swelling, or rapidly, known as acute swelling.

What are the possible causes?

There are many causes, ranging from the most serious, which may threaten the vital prognosis of the individual, to the functional prognosis of the testicle.

According to Dr Panba Sama, Andrology Urologist at the CHR in Ziniaré (Burkina Faso), « there can be infectious causes, in particular orchitis or orchi-epididymitis, an inflammation of infectious origin of the epididymis and/or the testicle itself. In this case, as well as swelling in general, there are other associated signs (fever, fatigue, muscle soreness, headache and urinary signs). There are tumour and cystic causes, including a primary tumour of the testicle or, more rarely, a secondary location, cysts of the testicular cord or of the testicle itself ».

Dr Panba Sama, Urologist and Andrologist, says that swelling can be due to traumatic causes, in connection with a trauma: kicking, hoofing, ballooning, road accidents, straddling, ballistic trauma.  The specialist also points out that there are other causes linked to an abnormality in fixation. Spermatic cord torsion: this is when the testicle turns around the cord in one or more turns.This is a surgical emergency that can affect the functional prognosis of the testicle.

« There are strangulated inguino-scrotal hernias, which are surgical emergencies, and unstrangulated inguino-scrotal hernias, which are not emergencies. This is actually a descent of part of the intestines and/or omentum into the scrotum through an area of weakness in the inguinal region.Hydroceles: this is an accumulation of abnormally high quantities of fluid in the testicular vagina », explains Dr Panba Sama, urologist and andrologist at the CHR in Ziniaré.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms will depend on the cause of the swelling: « intermittent or permanent swelling of the bursa or testicle, testicular pain, nausea or vomiting, cessation of transit (no stools or gas), abdominal bloating, discomfort when walking or having sexual intercourse, fever », says Dr Panba Sama.

When to be concerned

Swelling can be very painful or completely painless, depending on the underlying cause. It's essential to always seek medical advice if you have swelling of the testicle, as it can be serious and a cause for concern.

Elom AKAKPO