The testicles are made of very sensitive tissues. Varicocele: It is an enlargement of the veins in the testicles. We avoid using tertiary references. Fever and antipyretic use in children. Don't ignore it or wait too long, because some causes can lead to serious complications. Some scrotal masses are more common in children. Symptoms of urinary tract infections include pain with urination (dysuria), .. Orchitis occurs when one or both testicles are inflamed. dull, aching, or throbbing pain in the scrotum, testicle, or groin; swelling of the scrotum; shrinkage of the affected testicle; a lump or bulge on the scrotum; changes in the size of one or both . There is also testicular prosthesis available that can be placed at a later date. http://youngmenshealthsite.org/askus/my-left-testicle-hurts/. This creates a bulge, or hernia, that can be seen and felt in the groin. But plenty of conditions can trigger symptoms. Read below for more causes and treatment options. Avoid strenuous activity till the pain subsides. Having a father or brother who has had testicular cancer also increases your risk. Since testicles are a very sensitive area of the body, even a minor injury can be very painful. A hernia will not heal on its own. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your health care provider. Abnormal sperm morphology: What does it mean? See your doctor if you notice any new lump in your scrotum. Since then, Irene has written various articles about health and fitness featured on different magazines. Male genitourinary tract. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine (2). Epididymitis is an inflammation of one or both of the tubes of the epididymis, a coiled tube which stores sperm inside each testicle. American Cancer Society. All rights reserved. "Testicular torsion is caused when the spermatic cord that attaches the testicle to the body becomes twisted and cuts off the flow of blood to the testicle," Michael P. Zahalsky, MD, who. These causes a sharp pain in the abdomen area, and it is transmitted to the groin area. She was a personal trainer during the years of 2010-2013. 1998-2023 | Young Men's Health, Boston Children's Hospital. Experiencing an injury to or inflammation in just one testicle is not necessarily unusual, but you should get treatment promptly. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. The following, although possible, are the least likely to cause pain in one testicle. Fever and antipyretic use in children. Wear supportive underwear. Differently sized testicles. You may think that when a health problem affects your testicles, pain symptoms will be felt on both the right and left sides. Free, private and secure to get you the best way to well. Most related conditions heal readily, although some can cause permanent damage and loss of fertility if treatment does not begin right away. The reason is because the veins on the left side of the scrotum and testicles are anatomically structured differently than the veins on the right are. Inflammation of one testicle is also called unilateral (one-sided) testicular pain or unilateral orchitis. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). There are three basic surgical treatment options for varicocele and one minimally invasive option. 2014;89:723. http://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0501/p723.html. Is this normal in the recovery process? Intermittent testicular torsion is also called ITT or chronic testicular torsion. The epididymis is the tube inside the testicle that stores sperm. See your doctor if you detect a lump in your scrotum, even if it's not painful or tender, or if you experience other symptoms of a scrotal mass. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Swollen testicle or scrotum. She started health writing in 2009 as a hobby through her personal blog. privacy practices. It is due to muscle weakness in the abdomen area. The condition nearly always returns, however, and may continue to come and go. If we combine this information with your protected The cause is believed to be a congenital abnormality that leaves the testicle insufficiently anchored within the scrotum. The penis ejaculates semen during sexual intercourse. It may be an autoimmune disorder and is often found with fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, or vulvodynia (pain in the outer female organs.) To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which This set of symptoms is usually due to torsion. There are a few precautions to take for the groin area to be protected and to prevent left testicle pain. Cancer usually causes other symptoms like a lump or swelling in your testicle. Testicular rupture happens when the outer layer of the testicle is damaged, exposing the inside of the testicle. The severity of pain in one testicle depends on the cause. A bacterial infection can be treated with antibiotics. If the herniated organ becomes stuck or the blood supply decreases or stops, you can have serious complications. A small hernia may not need to be treated if they are not bothersome. It's commonly caused by the mumps virus. All Rights Reserved. Direct injury can happen in different scenarios. There is a problem with the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary-disorders/symptoms-of-genitourinary-disorders/scrotal-pain. Pain may come from the epididymitis, which is a curved tube that sits on each testicle to store sperm. Buoy does not endorse any of the information in these stories. Small lump above the affected testicle. You feel nauseous in addition to the pain. In general, this inflammation is due to a bacterial infection . Mayo Clinic; 2019. Have a look in your inbox or spam folder to confirm the sign-up was successful! Home remedies such as rest, applying heat or cold, wearing supportive underwear, and over-the-counter pain medications can help with mild testicular pain. Pain in the penis is incredibly common. Why Does My Left Testicle Hurt? 7 Possible Causes - CureJoy Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. Torsion refers to abnormal twisting of the spermatic cord, which holds blood vessels, nerves, and ducts for transporting sperm between the abdomen and the testicle. information submitted for this request. Products & Services See additional information. Yes, a urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause testicle pain. Chronic Neck Pain and Left Testicle Ache | Mayo Clinic Connect Over-the-counter pain medications may help ease your symptoms. include protected health information. It results in twisting the testicles out of shape which in turn blocks the blood circulation. While sperm fertility does take a hit, it usually doesnt produce any symptoms. Spermatoceles might result from a blockage in one of the multiple tubes within the epididymis that transport and store sperm from the testicle. In adults, a hydrocele occurs usually because of an imbalance in the production or absorption of fluid, often as a result of injury or infection in the scrotum. For swelling, you may also apply ice packs to the scrotum. A frozen bag of peas works best in the groin area. Epididymitis. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health [iv] The reason it occurs more often on the left, causing left testicle pain, is related to the position of the left testicular vein. Some conditions require prompt treatment to avoid permanent damage to a testicle. Pain in One Testicle | 10 Causes for Right or Left Testicle Pain It can be an emergency, because it may mean that something is blocking blood flow to your testicles. Surgery is usually necessary to save the testicle or to remove it to prevent gangrene. If you have swollen testicles, they appear larger and may be red or shiny. Hydrocele: It is when fluid-filled sacs develop on the testicle. This is the enlargement of the veins within the scrotum that carry oxygen-depleted blood from each testicle and the epididymis. Entrapment or irritation of one of these nerves can result in pain or numbness in this area. Ice helps reduce the swelling and pain. Varicocele is more common on the left side of the scrotum because of differences in how blood circulates from each side. The causes of testicular pain are treatable and can include: trauma, infection, prior testicular surgery, testicular torsion, post-vasectomy pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, and neurologic disease. Testicular Pain Diagnosis http://www.uptodate.com/home. Testicle pain can be caused by minor injuries to the area. Take a quiz to find out what's causing your pain. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Spermatocele - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic Generally speaking, more dangerous forms of testicular damage are one-sided and cause pain on a single side of the testicles. A small hernia may need no treatment. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Testicle Lump: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis - Healthline Self-examination and regular doctor exams of the scrotum are important for prompt recognition, diagnosis and treatment of scrotal masses. Irene has been an athlete since childhood. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which If you're experiencing pain in one testicle, it's also likely to experience: It's possible for any male to be affected by pain in one testicle, especially those having unprotected anal or vaginal sex, men who are sexually active in general, teenage boys or young men, as well as male infants less than one year of age. Pain in the left testicle is caused by minor factors, such as minor injuries. The testicles are vulnerable to injuries in sports, fights, or accidents of various types. Symptoms vary and may include pressure and discomfort in the lower abdomen; pain during sexual intercourse; bladder pain; and a frequent urge to urinate. Frequent urination. Treatment options for orchitis depend on its underlying cause. Causes other than direct injury can also benefit from these remedies. The clinical findings in young adults with acute scrotal pain. Common causes of testicle pain are a long bike ride or trauma to the groin, but other sources of testicle pain may be harder to diagnose. [i] Typically, the dilated veins are in the spermatic cord within the scrotal sac. My left testicle hurts. Not always, but only when I think of the pain The lumps are hard but do not produce pain. The treatment for testicular pain depends on its underlying cause. Testicular pain may be due to an injury or condition that has started in the testicles or groin, but in many cases, it has causes elsewhere in the body. (Informed by current CDC guidelines.). Its size is about half inch. The best treatment for this is the surgical repair (1). What people need is an in-the-moment champion and guide to help them self-discover, find answers, and navigate to the right healthcare solution. I am here to get an advice and cure about my personal health issue. The most important thing is to rule out an emergency such as testicular torsion, which would require urgent surgery. The doctor might require additional tests to find the cause of the pain. [vi] [vii]Recovery time for embolization is shorter as well, with many men returning to normal activities in 1 2 days, versus a 2 3 week period after surgery. The testicle feels hard instead of soft and pliable. Direct injury can happen in different scenarios. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. Last medically reviewed on November 26, 2018, A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum. It has you worried. Fluid from the seminal vesicles and prostate gland combine with sperm to make semen. When fluid or blood fills this sheath, the condition is called a hydrocele. Examples of snug underwear include athletic supporters and jockey shorts. Review/update the You will need surgery to drain and close the hydrocele. There are many reasons that a testicle may start to hurt, including from a torsion or inflammation. Diagnosis and surgical management of male pelvic, inguinal, and testicular pain. This is often caused by sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia. In: Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology. In fact the overall incidence rate for adolescent boys is between 10 and 20%. You notice hard lumpsin a self-examination of the scrotum. Some tissues within the human body are more sensitive and responsive than others. The left testicular vein is positioned at an angle that may make it difficult for blood to travel. Genitourinary and renal tract disorders. Testicular pain may be due to the other following causes: Because the testicles are very sensitive and vulnerable to damage, you need to see a doctor when you have any type of testicular pain. Prior to his current position he was a urology resident at Duke University. Inguinal hernias occur when part of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity (omentum) or intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdomen often along the inguinal canal, which carries the spermatic cord in men. Click here for an email preview. The scrotum contains the testicles and related structures that produce, store and transport sperm and male sex hormones. The hydrocele is from direct injury. What Causes Bruised Testicles, and How Are They Treated? Only your doctor can determine what may be causing your testicular pain, and if the diagnosis is varicocele, rest assured that it is a very treatable condition that in most cases doesnt require surgery. Testicular Pain: Possible Causes & Treatments - Cleveland Clinic Pain would often occur simply by suddenly opening my legs while sitting. Treatment options may vary from non-invasive painkillers, antibiotics, and psychological counseling to cope with the pain to more invasive surgical procedures like epididymectomy (removal of the epididymis), microdenervation of the spermatic cord (MDSC), and orchiectomy (removal of one or both testes). One testicle bigger than the other: Causes, risks, and self-exams 2016; doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2016.06.066. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Ultrasound imaging and urine tests help doctors make the diagnosis. The stones travel from the bladder and through the penis. Its not always clear why a man develops this type of cancer. Sudden, severe testicle pain can be a sign of testicular torsion a twisted testicle that can quickly lose its blood supply. Left testicle pain and swelling should go away on its own as the testicle tissues repair themselves. Testicular cancer is associated with left testicle pain, swelling, and lumps. The Surgical Clinics of North America. Dr. I have an issue with my right side testicle. Recommendations for prevention and control of influenza in children, 2018-2019. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Testicle pain can range from sudden, intense pain to a dull ache. privacy practices. Some researchers feel the condition may be linked to a history of abuse. Given the location, it can be perceived as embarrassing to seek help but rest assured everything is confidential and professional. Testicular torsion - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can treat minor testicular pain. Painful bladder syndrome is more common in women than in men, but can happen to anyone. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2017. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Pediatrics. Merck Manual Professional Version. Epididymitis is treated with antibiotics. There are several nerves supplying the groin, inner thigh and genital region. Accessed Sept. 24, 2019. Penile swelling is a sign of an underlying medical condition. Testicular pain of any kind on one or both sides can be distressing. The content available on buoy.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Less common causes of pain in one testicle includes the following. Sharp pain in the lower right could mean appendicitis. Like varicose veins in your legs, varicoceles may appear bulgy under the skin of your scrotum. Sexual activity is limited for 1 2 weeks for embolization patients, whereas surgical patients are advised to wait up to 4 weeks post procedure. This is a condition when supporting tissues of the testicles become weak. All rights reserved. Testicular pain from things like fluid buildup can be treated with less urgent surgery. You have arteries throughout your body that deliver oxygen-rich blood from the heart to bones, tissue, and organs. Merck Manual Professional Version. As medical providers, we want to help you with this pain. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Some options include: Germ cell tumors (GCTs) account for the vast majority of testicular cancers. I really wanted to go back to soccer so I decided to do the surgery. A urinary tract infection is an infection of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. In-depth Definition Causes When to see a doctor Products and services When to see a doctor By Mayo Clinic Staff Sudden, severe testicle pain can be a sign of testicular torsion a twisted testicle that can quickly lose its blood supply.