Testicular pain

Testicular Pain is a discomfort or pain in one or both testicles, the male reproductive organs located in the scrotum. The pain can vary from mild to severe and may be constant or intermittent. It can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, including testicular torsion, epididymitis, and orchitis.

Causes

Testicular pain can be caused by a number of different conditions. These include:

• Testicular Torsion: This is a medical emergency that occurs when the spermatic cord, which provides blood flow to the testicle, rotates and becomes twisted. This cuts off the testicle's blood supply and causes sudden, severe pain and swelling.
• Epididymitis: This is inflammation of the epididymis, the coiled tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm. It's often caused by a bacterial infection, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.
• Orchitis: This is inflammation of one or both testicles, usually caused by an infection. Orchitis can be caused by many types of bacteria and viruses, including the mumps virus.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of testicular pain is discomfort in one or both testicles. Other symptoms can include:

• Swelling or redness of the testicles
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Frequent urination
• Pain during intercourse or ejaculation

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of testicular pain involves a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. Additional tests may include a urine test to check for infection, an ultrasound to visualize the testicles and scrotum, and blood tests to check for signs of infection or inflammation.

Treatment

Treatment for testicular pain depends on the underlying cause. For example, testicular torsion is a medical emergency that requires immediate surgery to restore blood flow to the testicle. Epididymitis and orchitis are typically treated with antibiotics. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications may also be used to manage pain and swelling.

See Also

• Testicular Torsion
• Epididymitis
• Orchitis
• Testicular Cancer
• Testicular Examination