Testicle pain

Alternative names:

pain in the testicle(s)

Definition:

Pain or discomfort in the testicles; sometimes also radiating to the lower abdomen.

Considerations:

Testicular aches and pains are not usually cause for alarm. In the case of mumps and testicular torsion, however, the health care provider should be seen immediately.

Sudden onset of severe testicular pain is an emergency. If a young man complains of abdominal pain, the scrotum should always be carefully examined because abdominal pain often precedes testicular pain in testicular torsion.

Note: testicular cancer is usually painless. However, any testicle lump should be evaluated by the health care provider whether or not there is testicle pain.

Common causes:

• injury or trauma
• varicocele (dilated vein within the sac)
• hernia into the scrotum
• epididymitis (the ducts through which the sperm leaves the testicle can become inflamed and painful)
• testicular torsion (the cord that suspends the testicle becomes twisted, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle)
• unrelieved penile erections can cause mild testicular discomfort

Note: There may be other causes of testicle pain. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for testicle pain, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.