Experiencingtesticular paincan be taxing both physically and emotionally. If your testicles hurt, you may be embarrassed to seek medical care and discuss your symptoms with a nurse or healthcare provider.
The problem is that there are some serious conditions that can cause testicular pain. This article looks at five such conditions, including one this is considered a true medical emergency.
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Epididymitis
Epididymitisis the inflammation of theepididymis(the long, coiled tube that transports sperm from thetesticle).
Symptoms of epididymitis include:
Epididymitis is typically treated with antibiotics. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers may be prescribed along with elevation of the testicle to help minimize the pain.
If left untreated, epididymitis can lead to chronic pain or infertility.
Recap
What Is Epididymitis?
Orchitis
Orchitisis inflammation of the testicles. The suffix “-itis” simply means inflammation, while"orches" means testicle.
Symptoms of orchitis include:
Orchitis is frequently related to an epididymis infection that has spread to the testicle. Orchitis can occur during adolescence due to themumps virus. In sexually active adults, gonorrhea and chlamydia are common culprits.
The treatment often involves oral antibiotics. Mumps infections generally resolves on their own within a week or two, although OTC painkillers may be used to relieve pain.
Infertility and chronic pain are also possible complications of orchitis.
Epididymal Hypertension (Blue Balls)
“Blue balls” is slang for epididymal hypertension. This is a situation in which the testicles feel uncomfortable and even painful after a long period of arousal without ejaculation.
Symptoms of epididymal hypertension include:
Even without treatment, epididymal hypertension will usually resolve on its own within several hours.
What to do About Blue Balls (Epididymal Hypertension)
Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia occurs when abdominal contents gradually push through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. When it occurs in the groin, it is called an inguinal hernia.
An inguinal hernia often starts with a visible bulging in the groin, particularly when coughing, straining, or standing up. There may also be discomfort or pain at the site of the hernia extending to the adjacent testicle. The tissue can often be pushed back through the opening in the groin.
As the hernia progresses, the bulge may be harder to push back in and the pain may become more severe. If the intestines bulge through the opening, it can cause intestinal blockage.
An inguinal hernia can become a medical emergency if it becomes “stuck.” This can lead to vascular strangulation in which the hernia becomes starved of adequate blood flow.
An inguinal hernia will not go away on its own and requires surgical repair.
RecapAn inguinal hernia is the bulging of tissues or organs through an abnormal opening in the muscles of the groin. An inguinal hernia requires surgery.
An inguinal hernia is the bulging of tissues or organs through an abnormal opening in the muscles of the groin. An inguinal hernia requires surgery.
What to Do About a Groin Hernia
Testicular Torsion
Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord (from which the testicle is suspended) suddenly twists, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. It is a true medical emergency that requires immediate surgery.
Symptoms of testicular torsion include:
The testicle may also lie higher in the scrotum due to the twisting of the spermatic cord.
People with testicular torsion often have no underlying medical condition. It can affect both adults and children but is most common between the ages of 10 and 20.
If testicular torsion is not treated immediately, the testicle may become strangulated and lost.
RecapTesticular torsion is a medical emergency in which the spermatic cord suddenly twists, cutting off blood supply to the testicle. The pain will usually worsen when the ball is lifted. Immediate surgery is required.
Testicular torsion is a medical emergency in which the spermatic cord suddenly twists, cutting off blood supply to the testicle. The pain will usually worsen when the ball is lifted. Immediate surgery is required.
Summary
Five common causes of testicular pain are:
Spermatocele: What You Need to Know About This Testicular Condition
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Known medically as epididymal hypertension, blue balls can occur after a long period of arousal without ejaculation. Sperm buildup can actually cause your testicles to have a slight blue tinge. The good news is blue balls typically resolve after ejaculating.
Yes. STIs gonorrhea and chlamydia can each cause two different conditions associated with testicle pain: epididymitis and orchitis.Epididymitis is inflammation of the long, coiled tube that transports sperm from the testicles. Orchitis is an inflammation of the testicles. Both conditions can potentially lead to infertility and should be treated promptly.
Yes. STIs gonorrhea and chlamydia can each cause two different conditions associated with testicle pain: epididymitis and orchitis.
Epididymitis is inflammation of the long, coiled tube that transports sperm from the testicles. Orchitis is an inflammation of the testicles. Both conditions can potentially lead to infertility and should be treated promptly.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Trojian TH, Lishnak TS, Heiman D.Epididymitis and Orchitis: An Overview.American Family Physician. 2009;79(7):583-587.Cleveland Clinic.Hernia.The Official Foundation of the American Urological Association.Testicular torsion.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Trojian TH, Lishnak TS, Heiman D.Epididymitis and Orchitis: An Overview.American Family Physician. 2009;79(7):583-587.Cleveland Clinic.Hernia.The Official Foundation of the American Urological Association.Testicular torsion.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Trojian TH, Lishnak TS, Heiman D.Epididymitis and Orchitis: An Overview.American Family Physician. 2009;79(7):583-587.Cleveland Clinic.Hernia.The Official Foundation of the American Urological Association.Testicular torsion.
Trojian TH, Lishnak TS, Heiman D.Epididymitis and Orchitis: An Overview.American Family Physician. 2009;79(7):583-587.
Cleveland Clinic.Hernia.
The Official Foundation of the American Urological Association.Testicular torsion.
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