Testicle pain

Alternative names:

pain in the testicle(s)

Home care:

For sudden, severe testicular pain, see your health care provider immediately (testicular torsion is an emergency). If left untreated for more than a few hours, the gland may become gangrenous and have to be surgically removed. An early diagnosis and surgical treatment may prevent loss of the testis.

Home care measures may reduce discomfort. Provide support to the scrotum. An athletic supporter may be helpful when up. When in bed, it may help to place a rolled towel under the scrotum.

Call your health care provider if:

• the pain is severe or persists for a prolonged period of time or is accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
• there is a lump in the testicles.
• a young man or boy develops sudden abdominal or testicular pain. It could be testicular torsion, which should be treated immediately.

Note: Testicular aches and pains are not usually cause for alarm. In the case of pain caused by mumps or testicular torsion, however, the health care provider should be seen right away.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting the testicular pain in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • How long has the pain been present?
  • Did it occur suddenly or gradually?
  • Is it constant pain or occasional?

• quality
  • How severe is the pain?
  • Is the pain increasing?

• location
  • Exactly where does it hurt?
  • Is the pain in one testicle or both?
  • Does the pain extend into the abdomen or back?

• aggravating factors
  • Have there been any recent injuries?
  • Have there been any recent infections?
  • What makes the pain worse?

• relieving factors
  • Does anything help relieve the pain?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?
  • Is there swelling?
  • Is there redness?
  • Are there urine color changes?
  • Is there a fever?
  • Has there been unintentional weight loss?

Physical examination will include an examination of the groin and testicles.

Intervention:
If testicular torsion is the cause of the pain, a simple surgical procedure will fix the problem. Antibiotics may be prescribed for infections. Pain medications may be recommended to relieve discomfort.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to testicle pain to your personal medical record.