Testicular pain can be a troubling and uncomfortable symptom that warrants attention and understanding. If you’re experiencing testicle pain or discomfort, it’s crucial to explore its potential causes and know when to seek medical assistance.
At Urology of Greater Atlanta, our team of board-qualified urologists is here to help you address your concerns and provide appropriate care. You can find us in multiple locations throughout Georgia. Contact us today!
Common Causes of Testicle Pain
There could be many causes of testicular pain. Some of the most common causes are listed below.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea are often associated with testicular pain. However, other sexually transmitted diseases, like syphilis and herpes type 2, can also lead to genital sores and testicular discomfort, whether in one or both testicles.
- Kidney Stones: Severe pain around your testicles might be due to kidney stones. These crystallized masses can cause acute testicular pain, along with symptoms like blood in the urine, nausea, and frequent urination. Risk factors for kidney stones include obesity, dehydration, and a diet high in salt and sugar.
- Testicular Torsion: Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord twists, twisting the blood vessels and restricting the blood supply to the testicle. This condition results in sudden, acute testicular pain, often accompanied by swelling of the scrotum, a higher-positioned testicle, and nausea. It’s considered a medical emergency requiring immediate surgery.
- Medication Side Effects: Some medications, including antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and statins, may lead to testicular pain. If you suspect your medication is the cause, review its side effects and consult your healthcare provider.
- Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis, usually caused by chlamydia or gonorrhea, can result in chronic testicular pain. Symptoms may also include pain during urination, penile discharge, and blood in semen.
- Testicular Tumor: A cancerous tumor could be a cause of pain in the testicles. You would also notice other symptoms, such as a lump or swelling in the testicle.
- Inguinal Hernia: With a hernia, the intestinal tissue can push through a point in the abdominal muscles and push against the scrotum, causing pain.
- Orchitis: Orchitis is when there is inflammation in one or both of your testicles due to a bacterial or viral infection. Young boys may have orchitis because of the mumps virus. In these cases, the swelling will normally start four to six days after the beginning of your mumps symptoms.
- Spermatocele: This is when a fluid-filled cyst forms inside your epididymis near your testicle. They don’t usually cause a lot of pain, but they can grow quite big and become uncomfortable.
- Hydrocele: This is when abdominal fluid builds up in your scrotum around one or both testicles. This condition is common, especially in babies.
- Hematocele: This condition is when blood collects around one or both of your testicles. Hematoceles are common after injury.
- Varicocele: A varicocele refers to a group of abnormally large veins in your scrotum. Varicoceles can cause a dull ache or pain throughout the day. You will usually get some relief when you lie down.
- Post-Vasectomy Pain. During a vasectomy, your surgeon will seal the vas deferens, which are the tubes that carry sperm. It’s possible to have testicular pain afterward due to increased pressure in the vas deferens or epididymis.
- Idiopathic Testicular Pain: This is where there is no known cause of your testicular pain.
Conditions Related to Testicular Pain
Testicular pain can be linked to various health conditions, especially those affecting nerves or the urinary system. Inflammation or blood flow issues in the urinary system can cause pain in one or both testicles, while nerve-related conditions may lead to gradual or sudden testicular pain.
Some related conditions include the following:
- Diabetes
- Prostatitis
- Mumps
- Henoch-Schonlein purpura
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Gangrene
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you’re experiencing testicular pain or swelling, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider promptly. The appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause of your pain.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to Urology of Greater Atlanta for expert guidance and care. Our board-qualified urologists are fully equipped to treat testicular pain.
Book Your Appointment Now
If you’re dealing with testicular pain or have concerns about your urological health, reach out to Urology of Greater Atlanta. With multiple convenient locations throughout Georgia, our dedicated team is ready to assist you.
Contact us at one of our urology offices today to schedule a consultation with one of our board-qualified urologists and take the first step toward addressing your testicular health concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you will find some of the most frequently asked questions that men have about pain in their testicles.
