Testicular pain can be caused by a variety of different complications. Some are more common than others but should still be taken seriously. If you’re currently experiencing testicular pain or have any reason to believe the health of your testicles is in jeopardy, please seek immediate medical attention.
Down below, we’ll list the five most common causes of testicular pain, their symptoms, and the required treatment.
#1: Epididymitis
The epididymis is a coiled duct that lines your testicles. It’s crucial in the role of sperm maturity and delivery to the vas deferens. Epididymitis occurs when the epididymis becomes inflamed. This occurs most often when a UTI is left untreated for too long. It can also be a result of sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Epididymitis is most common in young men between the ages of 19 and 35.
The symptoms of epididymitis include: gradually increasing testicular pains which often start on one side. Another sign is if your scrotum feels usually hot, and swelling. Treatment typically includes a full round of antibiotics, and you can expect recovery within two weeks. However, serious cases of chronic epididymitis may be life-long or can “come and go.”
#2: Orchitis
Leading off our last entry, orchitis can be caused by an untreated case of epididymitis. It can also be caused by bacterial and viral infections. Immediate medical attention is required for cases of orchitis. You may undergo multiple testicular ultrasounds in the process.
Symptoms of orchitis include: very severe testicular pain and swelling, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment for orchitis heavily depends upon its cause. Antibiotics may be prescribed for cases of bacterial orchitis. However, viral orchitis can only be remedied by down time, over the counter painkillers, and elevation.
For cases of bacterial orchitis, you can expect to heal within a week or so. Although, it can take up to a couple months for the swelling to disappear completely. The same can be said for viral orchitis, as scrotal tenderness can take several weeks to ease up.
#3: Physical Trauma
Perhaps the most common cause of testicular pain is physical trauma, most likely during a sports game. Trauma to the testicles can cause an unknown number of complications, including testicular torsion, a very serious medical emergency.
The symptoms of physical trauma can vary widely. However, the most common things to look out for are of course testicular pain, bruising, and swelling. Treatment and recovery time will be impossible to pinpoint until your doctors figure out exactly what’s going on. Prepare to undergo testicular CT scans and ultrasounds in the process.
#4: Testicular Torsion
As we mentioned in our previous entry, testicular torsion is a very serious medical emergency and requires immediate attention. This occurs when your spermatic cords twist around each other like a Twizzler. Testicular torsion can occur as a result of physical trauma, rigorous exercise, or even sleep. Testicular torsion is most common in young teens and pre-teens. However, it can occur at any age. Symptoms of testicular torsion include a very sudden, EXTREME pain in the affected testicle, and swelling. Waiting to seek medical attention may cause further issues with fertility.
Luckily, most testicles can be saved if medical attention is acquired within four hours of the onset. However, surgery is required to separate your spermatic cords. After surgery, you should typically be able to return to normal activities within one to two weeks.
#5: Testicular Cancer
Pinpointing the cause of testicular cancer is impossible. In fact, most patients with testicular cancer don’t have any risk factors. However, this also means there are no proven ways to help prevent it. On the bright side, though, testicular cancer is relatively rare. Occurring most commonly in men between the age of 20 and 30. Furthermore, when caught on time, testicular cancer is very treatable. Treatment time and methods may vary depending on the kind of testicular cancer you have, and if it has spread or not.
To be proactive about the health of your testicles, complete routine testicle checks. You can do this by gently feeling the surface of your testicles and checking for any lumps. Patients with testicular cancer also described a “dull soreness” in their testicles. If you’ve experienced a similar pain or find any lumps, please seek medical assistance.
#5: Chafing
The last common cause of testicular pain is the least serious, but nonetheless uncomfortable. Chafing is common on the testicles for men who shave down below. Just pickup some anti-chafe cream and you should be good to go!
Summary
Taking care of and ensuring the health of your testicles is very important for your overall well-being. Building healthy habits, keeping an eye out for symptoms, and doing routine checks can all help you achieve that goal. And remember, if you’re currently experiencing, or have experienced any of the symptoms above, please seek medical assistance. You and your testis will be glad you did!
