Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatmentComplicationsDiagnosisWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Complications
Diagnosis
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
The testicles, also called thetestes, are an important part of themale reproductive system. Swollen testicles can affect anyone with testicles or testicular implants.
When swelling occurs, it may be due to a problem involving the testicles themselves or structures leading to or from them. These include theepididymis(a coiled tube situated at the back of each testicle) or thevas deferens(the tube that connects the epididymis to yoururinary tract).
Tetra Images / Getty Images
This article looks at the symptoms and causes of swollen testicles, including how the condition is diagnosed and treated. It also describes when swollen testicles are a sign of a medical emergency needing immediate care.
Testicular Pain Causes and Treatment
Symptoms of Swollen Testicles
The testicles are a pair of oval-shaped glands responsible for makingspermand the sex hormonetestosterone. They are situated within a sac of skin beneath the base of thepeniscalled thescrotum. Together, the testicles and scrotum are commonly referred to as “balls.”
The symptoms of swollen testicles can vary based on the underlying cause. While most cases are unilateral (involving only one testicle), some cases are bilateral (affecting both testicles).
Not every case is the same, and the range of symptoms a person experiences may suggest the underlying cause. These include symptoms like:
Depending on the underlying cause, there may be accompanying symptoms like fever, nausea or vomiting,swollen lymph nodes, or unintended weight loss.
Is One Testicle Bigger Than the Other Normal?
Causes of Swollen Testicles
It can be distressing to experience the sudden swelling of a testicle, particularly when there is pain. In some cases, this may be a sign of a serious medical situation. However, more often than not, it is related to a treatable medical condition.
There are severe common causes of testicular swelling a healthcare provider may explore during an evaluation.
Testicle Injury
Testicle injuries can easily occur if you are kicked, crushed, or struck in the groin. In some cases, an injury may seem mild and only cause symptoms hours later. At other times, a person may not even realize what caused an injury. An example of this is testicular swelling that occurs after a bike ride.
With certain blunt-force injuries, a person may also experience scrotalhematocele(a collection of blood in the scrotum).
Epididymitis
Epididymitis often occurs alongside the swelling of the testicle itself, calledorchitis. When both the testicle and epididymis are affected, it is known as epididymo-orchitis.
In addition to the pain and swelling, bacterial infections of the epididymis can lead to the formation of a pus-filledabscess.Gonorrheaandchlamydiaare the most common bacterial causes of epididymitis.
Are “Blue Balls” a Real Thing?
Varicocele
Avaricoceleis a condition in which veins inside the scrotum, called the pampiniform plexus, become abnormally enlarged. It is thought to be the result of defective valves that cause blood to backflow and accumulate in the same way asvaricose veins.
You may not realize you have a varicocele until you happen to feel an abnormally thickened vein inside your scrotum. You may also feel a dull ache or heaviness in the testicle, particularly after physical exertion.
Hydrocele
Ahydroceleis the swelling of the scrotum due to the accumulation of fluids in the membrane surrounding the testicle. It can result from an injury, an infection, or an underlying condition that causes bodily fluids (such as abdominal fluids) to seep into the scrotum.
The condition generally is unilateral but can sometimes be bilateral.
Hydrocele usually affects infants but can occur in people of any age. The condition tends to be painless but can cause discomfort and embarrassment due to the often extreme swelling of the scrotum.
Inguinal Hernia
Aninguinal herniais when a part of your intestine pushes through a weak spot in your groin. It can create a visible bulge on the groin and extend into the scrotum, causing unilateral testicular swelling.
An inguinal hernia isn’t necessarily dangerous but can be painful, especially when you cough, bend over, or lift a heavy object. While some inguinal hernias cause no pain, the likelihood of pain increases the longer you leave it untreated.
Most Common Types of Hernia in Males
Testicular Torsion
Testicular torsionis a serious medical condition in which the testicle and spermatic cord (which delivers blood to the testicle) are twisted. This cuts off the blood supply, triggering sudden and severe pain, swelling of the scrotum and/or lower abdomen, and a high-rising testicle. Nausea and vomiting are also common.
If not treated immediately, testicular torsion can cause permanent damage and even lead to the loss of a testicle.
Causes of Testicle Pain You Should Know
Testicular Cancer
Testicular canceris a less common cause of swollen testicles that affects around 9,000 people in the United States yearly.
Testicular cancer causes the formation of a tumor that arises from changes in either testicular tissues or germ cells (cells that form sperm in males). These tumors are usually painless and unilateral and can range in size from a pea to larger than a marble. Testicular swelling is a central feature.
In addition to swelling, symptoms of testicular cancer can include fatigue, unintended weight loss, andswollen lymph nodesin the groin.
How Testicular Cancer Is Treated
How to Treat Swollen Testicles
The treatment of swollen testicles varies based on the underlying cause. Some causes may not require any treatment, such as uncomplicated cases of varicocele or hydrocele, which often resolve on their own. Others, like inguinal hernia, may benefit from a watch-and-wait approach, while others still require aggressive medical intervention.
Complications and Risk Factors Associated With Swollen Testicles
The two main concerns regarding swollen testicles are the risk of infertility and, in severe cases, the loss of the testicle itself.
InfertilityBetween 6% and 10% of males with a genital infection will experience impaired fertility, often without realizing it or experiencing any symptoms.
Infertility
Between 6% and 10% of males with a genital infection will experience impaired fertility, often without realizing it or experiencing any symptoms.
While the removal of a testicle is a standard treatment of testicular cancer, a testicle can be lost for other reasons as well. With testicular torsion, for example, the obstruction of blood flow can deprive a testicle of oxygen, leading to rapid tissue death (atrophy). If the damage is severe enough, the testicle would need to be removed.
What Does Testicular Surgery Entail?
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Swollen Testicles?
If you have swollen testicles, your healthcare provider will review your symptoms and medical history to identify possible causes. This would include asking you about recent injuries, your sexual history, or your family history of testicular cancer.
There would also be a physical exam to establish where exactly the swelling is located (such as in the epididymis, pampiniform plexus, or testicle itself), whether the swelling is unilateral or bilateral, and whether there are any nodules.
If there is a nodule, the healthcare provider will want to determine if it has characteristics of cancer.
Signs of Testicular CancerTesticular cancer typically causes a hard, painless tumor on the front or side of the testicle. The testicle may feel firmer than usual. A person may also have abnormal breast enlargement (gynecomastia) or feel a dull ache or pain in the lower abdomen or scrotum.
Signs of Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer typically causes a hard, painless tumor on the front or side of the testicle. The testicle may feel firmer than usual. A person may also have abnormal breast enlargement (gynecomastia) or feel a dull ache or pain in the lower abdomen or scrotum.
Based on the initial findings, a healthcare provider will order different tests and procedures, including:
There are situations in which a swollen testicle is a sign of a medical emergency. Chief among these is testicular torsion. Unless treated in a timely manner, testicular torsion can lead to the loss of a testicle.
Testicular Torsion RiskAccording to a 2019 review in theCanadian Medical Association Journal,the risk of testicular loss is between 0% and 10% if testicular torsion is treated within six hours. If treatment is delayed until 12 to 24 hours, the risk of testicular loss is around 90%.
Testicular Torsion Risk
According to a 2019 review in theCanadian Medical Association Journal,the risk of testicular loss is between 0% and 10% if testicular torsion is treated within six hours. If treatment is delayed until 12 to 24 hours, the risk of testicular loss is around 90%.
Seek immediate emergency care if you experience the signs and symptoms of testicular torsion, including:
Testicular torsion is most common in people under age 25, particularly those between the ages of 12 and 16. With that said, testicular torsion can occur at almost any age.
Reasons for an Orchiectomy (Testicle Removal)
Summary
Swollen testicles can have many different causes, both serious and nonserious. These include testicle injuries and conditions like epididymitis, varicocele, hydrocele, inguinal hernia, and testicular torsion. Although testicular cancer is a less likely cause, swollen testicles are one of the defining symptoms.
A Word From Verywell
You may assume that a swollen testicle is not as serious if there is no pain. It is important to understand that conditions like varicocele, hydrocele, and inguinal hernias can all occur without pain and may get worse if left undiagnosed or untreated.
Swollen testicles, even when mild, should never be considered normal. See a healthcare provider or ask for a referral to aurologistwho specializes in disorders of the urinary tract and male reproductive system.
What to Know About Telehealth With a Urologist
Frequently Asked QuestionsIf a testicle injury is mild, it should improve within 24 to 48 hours. If symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, see a healthcare provider. With that said, if there is sudden, severe pain and swelling with nausea or vomiting, go to your nearest emergency room as these are signs of a medical emergency known as testicular torsion.Testicular torsion can occur for no apparent reason while sitting, standing, or even sleeping. Physical activity doesn’t cause it.Instead, there are certain factors that can predispose a person to testicular torsion, including:Being under age 20Having an undescended testicleHaving one testicle that is larger than the otherHaving a condition present at birth called a bell-clapper deformity in which the spermatic cord attached to the testicle is able to rotate more freelyCertain types of testicular cancer spread faster than others. Seminoma cancer is a slow-growing form found in males in their 40s and 50s. Non-seminoma cancers, the more common type affecting males in their late teens to 30s, tend to grow more quickly.
If a testicle injury is mild, it should improve within 24 to 48 hours. If symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, see a healthcare provider. With that said, if there is sudden, severe pain and swelling with nausea or vomiting, go to your nearest emergency room as these are signs of a medical emergency known as testicular torsion.
Testicular torsion can occur for no apparent reason while sitting, standing, or even sleeping. Physical activity doesn’t cause it.Instead, there are certain factors that can predispose a person to testicular torsion, including:Being under age 20Having an undescended testicleHaving one testicle that is larger than the otherHaving a condition present at birth called a bell-clapper deformity in which the spermatic cord attached to the testicle is able to rotate more freely
Testicular torsion can occur for no apparent reason while sitting, standing, or even sleeping. Physical activity doesn’t cause it.Instead, there are certain factors that can predispose a person to testicular torsion, including:
Certain types of testicular cancer spread faster than others. Seminoma cancer is a slow-growing form found in males in their 40s and 50s. Non-seminoma cancers, the more common type affecting males in their late teens to 30s, tend to grow more quickly.
16 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.Gordhan CG, Sadehghi-Nejad H.Scrotal pain: evaluation and management.Korean J Urol.2015;56(1):3–11. doi:10.4111/kju.2015.56.1.3Clement P, Giuliano F.Anatomy and physiology of genital organs - men.Handb Clin Neurol. 2015;130:19-37. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-63247-0.00003-1Dagur G, Ghandi J, Suh Y, et all.Classifying hydroceles of the pelvis and groin: an overview of etiology, secondary complications, evaluation, and management.Curr Urol.2017;10(1):1–14. doi:10.1159/000447145Shaun L.Acute epididymitis.J Am Acad PA.2018;31(3):50-1. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000530304.69021.4bMiyaoka R, Esteves SC.A critical appraisal on the role of varicocele in male infertility.Advances Urol. 2012;2012:1-9. doi:10.1155/2012/597495Pastuszak A, Wang R.Varicocele and testicular function.Asian J Androl. 2015;17(4):659. doi:10.4103/1008-682X.153539National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Inguinal hernia.Laher A, Ragavan S, Mehta P, Adam A.Testicular torsion in the emergency room: a review of detection and management strategies.Open Access Emerg Med.2020;12:237–46. doi:10.2147/OAEM.S236767American Cancer Society.Facts about testicular cancer: testicular cancer statistics.American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer.Schuppe HC, Pilatz A, Hossain H, Diemer Th, Wagenlehner F, Weidner W.Urogenital infection as a risk factor for male infertility.Dtsch Arztebl Int.2017;114(19):339–46. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2017.0339Keays M, Rosenberg H.Testicular torsion.CMAJ.2019 Jul 15;191(28):E792. doi:10.1503/cmaj.190158Hyun GS.Testicular torsion.Rev Urol.2018;20(2):104–6. doi:10.3909/riu0800American Society of Clinical Oncologists.Testicular cancer: statistics.American Urological Association.Testicular torsion.Shin YS, Kim HJ.Current management of testicular cancer.Korean J Urol.2013;54(1):2–10. doi:10.4111/kju.2013.54.1.2
16 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.Gordhan CG, Sadehghi-Nejad H.Scrotal pain: evaluation and management.Korean J Urol.2015;56(1):3–11. doi:10.4111/kju.2015.56.1.3Clement P, Giuliano F.Anatomy and physiology of genital organs - men.Handb Clin Neurol. 2015;130:19-37. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-63247-0.00003-1Dagur G, Ghandi J, Suh Y, et all.Classifying hydroceles of the pelvis and groin: an overview of etiology, secondary complications, evaluation, and management.Curr Urol.2017;10(1):1–14. doi:10.1159/000447145Shaun L.Acute epididymitis.J Am Acad PA.2018;31(3):50-1. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000530304.69021.4bMiyaoka R, Esteves SC.A critical appraisal on the role of varicocele in male infertility.Advances Urol. 2012;2012:1-9. doi:10.1155/2012/597495Pastuszak A, Wang R.Varicocele and testicular function.Asian J Androl. 2015;17(4):659. doi:10.4103/1008-682X.153539National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Inguinal hernia.Laher A, Ragavan S, Mehta P, Adam A.Testicular torsion in the emergency room: a review of detection and management strategies.Open Access Emerg Med.2020;12:237–46. doi:10.2147/OAEM.S236767American Cancer Society.Facts about testicular cancer: testicular cancer statistics.American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer.Schuppe HC, Pilatz A, Hossain H, Diemer Th, Wagenlehner F, Weidner W.Urogenital infection as a risk factor for male infertility.Dtsch Arztebl Int.2017;114(19):339–46. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2017.0339Keays M, Rosenberg H.Testicular torsion.CMAJ.2019 Jul 15;191(28):E792. doi:10.1503/cmaj.190158Hyun GS.Testicular torsion.Rev Urol.2018;20(2):104–6. doi:10.3909/riu0800American Society of Clinical Oncologists.Testicular cancer: statistics.American Urological Association.Testicular torsion.Shin YS, Kim HJ.Current management of testicular cancer.Korean J Urol.2013;54(1):2–10. doi:10.4111/kju.2013.54.1.2
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.
Gordhan CG, Sadehghi-Nejad H.Scrotal pain: evaluation and management.Korean J Urol.2015;56(1):3–11. doi:10.4111/kju.2015.56.1.3Clement P, Giuliano F.Anatomy and physiology of genital organs - men.Handb Clin Neurol. 2015;130:19-37. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-63247-0.00003-1Dagur G, Ghandi J, Suh Y, et all.Classifying hydroceles of the pelvis and groin: an overview of etiology, secondary complications, evaluation, and management.Curr Urol.2017;10(1):1–14. doi:10.1159/000447145Shaun L.Acute epididymitis.J Am Acad PA.2018;31(3):50-1. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000530304.69021.4bMiyaoka R, Esteves SC.A critical appraisal on the role of varicocele in male infertility.Advances Urol. 2012;2012:1-9. doi:10.1155/2012/597495Pastuszak A, Wang R.Varicocele and testicular function.Asian J Androl. 2015;17(4):659. doi:10.4103/1008-682X.153539National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Inguinal hernia.Laher A, Ragavan S, Mehta P, Adam A.Testicular torsion in the emergency room: a review of detection and management strategies.Open Access Emerg Med.2020;12:237–46. doi:10.2147/OAEM.S236767American Cancer Society.Facts about testicular cancer: testicular cancer statistics.American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer.Schuppe HC, Pilatz A, Hossain H, Diemer Th, Wagenlehner F, Weidner W.Urogenital infection as a risk factor for male infertility.Dtsch Arztebl Int.2017;114(19):339–46. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2017.0339Keays M, Rosenberg H.Testicular torsion.CMAJ.2019 Jul 15;191(28):E792. doi:10.1503/cmaj.190158Hyun GS.Testicular torsion.Rev Urol.2018;20(2):104–6. doi:10.3909/riu0800American Society of Clinical Oncologists.Testicular cancer: statistics.American Urological Association.Testicular torsion.Shin YS, Kim HJ.Current management of testicular cancer.Korean J Urol.2013;54(1):2–10. doi:10.4111/kju.2013.54.1.2
Gordhan CG, Sadehghi-Nejad H.Scrotal pain: evaluation and management.Korean J Urol.2015;56(1):3–11. doi:10.4111/kju.2015.56.1.3
Clement P, Giuliano F.Anatomy and physiology of genital organs - men.Handb Clin Neurol. 2015;130:19-37. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-63247-0.00003-1
Dagur G, Ghandi J, Suh Y, et all.Classifying hydroceles of the pelvis and groin: an overview of etiology, secondary complications, evaluation, and management.Curr Urol.2017;10(1):1–14. doi:10.1159/000447145
Shaun L.Acute epididymitis.J Am Acad PA.2018;31(3):50-1. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000530304.69021.4b
Miyaoka R, Esteves SC.A critical appraisal on the role of varicocele in male infertility.Advances Urol. 2012;2012:1-9. doi:10.1155/2012/597495
Pastuszak A, Wang R.Varicocele and testicular function.Asian J Androl. 2015;17(4):659. doi:10.4103/1008-682X.153539
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Inguinal hernia.
Laher A, Ragavan S, Mehta P, Adam A.Testicular torsion in the emergency room: a review of detection and management strategies.Open Access Emerg Med.2020;12:237–46. doi:10.2147/OAEM.S236767
American Cancer Society.Facts about testicular cancer: testicular cancer statistics.
American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer.
Schuppe HC, Pilatz A, Hossain H, Diemer Th, Wagenlehner F, Weidner W.Urogenital infection as a risk factor for male infertility.Dtsch Arztebl Int.2017;114(19):339–46. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2017.0339
Keays M, Rosenberg H.Testicular torsion.CMAJ.2019 Jul 15;191(28):E792. doi:10.1503/cmaj.190158
Hyun GS.Testicular torsion.Rev Urol.2018;20(2):104–6. doi:10.3909/riu0800
American Society of Clinical Oncologists.Testicular cancer: statistics.
American Urological Association.Testicular torsion.
Shin YS, Kim HJ.Current management of testicular cancer.Korean J Urol.2013;54(1):2–10. doi:10.4111/kju.2013.54.1.2
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.Cookies SettingsAccept All Cookies
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Cookies SettingsAccept All Cookies
