Testicular or scrotal pain is diagnosed and treated by the Urology Division of Premier Medical Group. Testicular or scrotal pain of any type should be taken seriously. The testicles (testes) are the two glands that produce sperm and are therefore part of the male reproductive system. These glands are very sensitive to pain and even the most minor trauma can be very painful. Scrotal pain can occur at any age, even to newborns, and the condition typically needs medical evaluation.
Sports injuries are one of the most common causes of testicular injury and can occur with team sports or individual activities (e.g. -bicycling)
The most common in this category is epididymitis, an inflammation of the epididymis. These glands are located on top of and behind each testicle (testis). The epididymes are important for sperm maturation and are more prone to infection than the testicles. Some scrotal infections in adolescent and young adult males are caused by sexually-transmitted bacterial infections.
Orchitis is an inflammation of the testicle, which usually results from the spread of infection from the epididymis. This condition can occur at any age, and causes severe pain. It can be caused by the mumps virus, though that disease has been significantly reduced by standard childhood vaccinations.
This is a non-specific description of a physical presence that may be due to benign or malignant conditions. The most serious would be a solid testis mass due to cancer. Such tumors are most commonly seen in teenagers and young men but can occur at any age. Trauma can cause collections of blood or fluid that may mimic a mass in the scrotum. Fluid can build up around the testicle (hydrocele) or within the epididymis (spermatocele) and will feel solid on exam.
This causes acute and severe scrotal pain and swelling. It happens when the spermatic cord twists, blocking blood flow to the testicles. It most commonly occurs in newborns and adolescent males under 18, but can occur at any age. A testicular torsion is an acute surgical emergency and requires an operation to untwist the testicle within 6 hours in order to save the gonad.
If you should experience tenderness or pain in the scrotum that is related to a lump, fever, and abnormal warmth, or redness, blood in the urine, or unusual discharge from the urethra, make an appointment to see your urologist.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
If any of these symptoms are left unexamined, the result could be loss of the testicle and the risk of infertility.
Doctors may use the following tests to determine the cause of pain in the testicles or scrotum:
Your treatment for scrotal or testicular pain will depend on what the diagnosis is. Applying an ice pack to your scrotum can help reduce pain and swelling. Make sure to wrap the ice in a cloth. Never put the ice pack directly on your scrotum.
If the pain derives from a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed. Other remedies include, over-the-counter pain relievers, (e.g. – ibuprofen), and reduced activity. You can also seek relief by wearing scrotal support and by placing a rolled towel under the scrotum when lying down.
To help prevent some types of scrotal pain, follow these simple measures