Testicular pain: causes

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Extract from the article: Pain or swelling in the testicles can be a cause for concern. Whether chronic or acute, their appearance should not be ignored. What are the causes? How can the pain be relieved? When should you seek medical advice?

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Pain or swelling in the testicles can be a cause for concern. Whether chronic or acute, their appearance should not be ignored. What are the causes? How can the pain be relieved? When should you seek medical advice?

Testicular pain is a sensation of pain or discomfort in one or both testicles. It can be acute or chronic. It may be accompanied by swelling, redness and tenderness of the testicles.

Causes of testicular pain

Testicular pain can be caused by a variety of medical conditions. It can be very debilitating for the person affected.

Testicular pain often stems from a disorder of the testicle itself. However, certain disorders of the groin, abdomen and back can also be the cause of testicular pain. Testicular torsion accounts for 90% of testicular pain. This occurs when the spermatic cord linking the testicle to the abdomen becomes twisted, interrupting the flow of blood to the testicle.

Epididymitis, an inflammation of the testicle or epididymis, a duct above the testicle that allows sperm to mature, can also occur. It is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection, such as chlamydia, or a viral disease.

Other causes include a shock to the testicles, testicular cancer or a hydrocele, i.e. an accumulation of fluid around the testicle causing it to swell. There is also dorsolumbar hinge syndrome, caused by irritation or inflammation of the nerves in the lower back, and chronic testicular pain, a form of pain that lasts for more than three months.

Consequences 

Testicular pain and swelling can lead to an inability to lead a normal life and a reduced quality of life. It can also lead to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. If testicular pain is caused by a serious condition, such as testicular cancer or testicular torsion, it can have severe consequences if not treated promptly.

Testicular torsion can cause testicular loss if not treated within six hours of the onset of symptoms. Similarly, testicular cancer can spread to other parts of the body if it is not diagnosed and treated in time.

Pain relief

Treatment for testicular pain and swelling depends on the underlying cause. If the pain is caused by a benign condition, such as dorsolumbar hinge syndrome, it can be relieved with anti-inflammatory medication and bed rest.

If the pain is caused by a serious condition, such as testicular torsion or testicular cancer, immediate medical intervention may be required. In some cases, surgery may be indicated to relieve pain and swelling.

Preventing testicular pain

Testicular pain is difficult to prevent. But there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk.

Protect your testicles by wearing protective equipment during contact sports or other activities where there is a risk of injury.  You can carry out a self-examination of the testicles on a regular basis, every month, to make sure you don't detect any worrying changes in shape or swelling.  Drink plenty of water to avoid urinary tract infections, which can cause testicular pain. Wear loose, comfortable clothing to avoid pressure on the testicles. Watch out for signs of infection, such as pain when urinating.

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience sudden, sharp pain in the scrotum. Especially if accompanied by fever or vomiting.

Jean ELI