Testicular torsion occurs when a testicle rotates on its spermatic cord, cutting off blood supply to the testicle. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention to prevent permanent damage to the testicle.

Testicular Pain: When to Seek Emergency Room

What is Testicular Pain?

Testicular pain is a type of pain or discomfort that occurs in one or both testicles, which are the male reproductive glands located in the scrotum. Testicular pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, infection, inflammation, and torsion (twisting of the testicle). It can range from mild to severe, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, redness, or tenderness in the scrotum or testicles.

It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing testicular pain, as some of the underlying conditions that cause it may require prompt treatment. In some cases, testicular pain can be a medical emergency, such as when it is sudden, severe, and accompanied by other symptoms like swelling or redness. A healthcare professional can diagnose the underlying cause of your testicular pain and recommend appropriate treatment.

Common Symptoms and Causes of Testicular Pain

Testicular pain can have various symptoms and causes. Here are some of the common symptoms and causes of testicular pain:

Symptoms:

  • Pain or discomfort in one or both testicles
  • Swelling, redness, or tenderness in the scrotum or testicles
  • Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or groin
  • Nausea and vomiting (in cases of severe pain)
  • Pain during ejaculation or urination

Causes:

  • Injury or trauma to the testicles or scrotum
  • Testicular torsion (twisting of the testicle)
  • Infection in the testicle or surrounding areas, such as epididymitis or orchitis
  • Inflammation or swelling of the epididymis (epididymitis) or the testicle (orchitis)
  • Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)
  • Hernia
  • Kidney stones
  • Tumors or cancer in the testicles
  • Autoimmune disorders that cause inflammation, such as vasculitis

Who’s most at risk Testicular pain?

Boys and men of any age can get testicular pain. You may be at a higher risk for testicular pain if you do heavy physical work or if you play full-contact sports. Testicular pain can affect men of all ages, but certain factors may increase the risk.

Here are some factors that may increase the risk of testicular pain:

  • Age: Testicular pain is more common in young men, particularly those between the ages of 15 and 35.
  • Testicular trauma: Injury to the testicles or scrotum is a common cause of testicular pain.
  • Infection: Certain infections, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can cause testicular pain.
  • Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hernias, kidney stones, or tumors in the testicles, can also increase the risk of testicular pain.
  • Anatomical factors: Certain anatomical factors, such as an undescended testicle or a varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum), may increase the risk of testicular pain.
  • Testicular torsion: This is a rare but serious condition where the testicle twists, cutting off its blood supply, and can lead to testicular pain and damage.
  • Certain activities: Certain activities that put pressure on the testicles, such as cycling or horseback riding, can also increase the risk of testicular pain.

If you are experiencing testicular pain or are at increased risk of testicular pain, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

What is Testicular Torsion?

Testicular torsion is a medical condition in which the spermatic cord that supplies blood to the testicle gets twisted, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. This can cause sudden and severe pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected testicle. Testicular torsion most commonly occurs in adolescent boys, but it can occur at any age. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment, as the lack of blood supply can cause permanent damage to the affected testicle and potentially lead to infertility.

Symptoms of testicular torsion can include sudden and severe pain in one testicle, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the affected testicle, as well as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If you suspect testicular torsion, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

How is Testicular Pain diagnosed?

Testicular pain can be caused by a number of conditions, including testicular torsion, epididymitis, orchitis, and testicular cancer. To diagnose the cause of testicular pain, a doctor will typically perform a physical exam, review the patient's medical history, and may order some tests. During the physical exam, the doctor will check for any swelling, tenderness, or lumps in the testicles, and may also examine the abdomen and groin area. They may also perform a testicular ultrasound, which uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the testicles and surrounding tissue.

In addition to a physical exam and ultrasound, the doctor may order other tests, such as blood tests or urine tests, to check for signs of infection or other underlying medical conditions. If the doctor suspects testicular torsion, they will typically recommend immediate surgery to restore blood flow to the affected testicle. If the pain is caused by another condition, the doctor will develop a treatment plan based on the underlying cause of the pain.

If it’s not a Testicular Pain, what else could it be?

If a person is experiencing pain in the scrotum or testicles that is not related to testicular torsion, it could be caused by a number of other conditions. Some of the most common causes of testicular pain or discomfort include:

  • Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis, a tube at the back of the testicles that stores and transports sperm.
  • Orchitis: Inflammation of the testicles, usually caused by a viral infection.
  • Varicocele: A swelling of the veins that drain the testicles, which can cause pain and discomfort.
  • Hydrocele: A buildup of fluid around the testicles that can cause swelling and discomfort.
  • Hernia: A bulge or swelling in the groin or scrotum that can cause pain and discomfort.
  • Kidney stones: Small, hard mineral deposits that can form in the kidneys and travel down the urinary tract, causing severe pain in the back, abdomen, and groin area.
  • Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland, which can cause pain in the groin or pelvic area.
  • Inguinal abscess: A collection of pus in the groin or scrotum that can cause pain, swelling, and fever.

When to Seek Emergency Room for Testicular Pain?

Testicular pain can be a symptom of a serious medical condition, such as testicular torsion, that requires emergency medical attention. If a person experiences sudden and severe testicular pain, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

Some signs that may indicate the need for emergency care include:

  • Sudden and severe pain in one or both testicles
  • Swelling, redness, or tenderness in the scrotum or testicles
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fever or chills
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Pain or discomfort during sexual activity

If a person experiences any of these symptoms, they should go to the closest emergency room or seek medical attention as soon as possible. Delaying treatment for a serious condition such as testicular torsion can lead to permanent damage to the affected testicle and potentially even infertility.

We have 9 facilities spread across the DFW area that are OPEN 24/7 located in Hurst, Colleyville, Frisco, Highland Village, Hillcrest, Uptown, Little Elm, Mansfield, and Texoma.

Categories