Testicular infection or torsion

Definition:

A group of disorders in which testicular pain is a primary symptom.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Disorders associated with testicular infection/pain include epididymitis, orchitis, and testicular torsion.

Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis (the structure that is the first part of the duct draining each testis). Orchitis is an inflammation of one or both of the testicles. These disorders may be caused by numerous bacterial and viral organisms. Epididymitis is the most common cause of scrotal or testicular pain in individuals over 18 years of age.

Testicular torsion is a twisting of the spermatic cord, artery and vein, which cuts off the blood supply to the testicle and surrounding structures within the scrotum. If not corrected promptly, the tissues of the testicle will die. Diagnosis and surgery should take place within 6 hours. If surgery is delayed more than 6 hours the testicle will usually be lost. Testicular torsion is the most common cause of scrotal or testicular pain in boys and non-sexually active adolescents. The majority of cases are in boys less than 6 years of age.