Testicular pain may be associated with different conditions, such as testicular torsion, epididymitis, orchitis, varicocele, inguinal hernia, or even trauma to the area. Learn more!
Testicular pain is a very uncomfortable symptom. The discomfort may radiate to the groin, abdomen, and even the lower back, leading many men to seek medical attention.
Testicular discomfort may be felt on only one side or on both sides at the same time. The pain may appear suddenly and acutely, or it may develop and last for several days, characterizing a more persistent condition.
Because this is a sensitive area and important to men’s health, it is essential to seek medical evaluation. A correct diagnosis, combined with proper case management, is important, since some testicular conditions require greater care and attention.
Continue reading to understand what can cause testicular pain, which treatments may be recommended, and how to prevent this discomfort.
What Is Testicular Pain and What Does It Feel Like?
Testicular pain may be unilateral or bilateral, and its intensity can range from mild to severe.
The symptom may be sporadic or continuous, with the possibility of radiating to the groin, abdomen, and lower back.
Main Symptoms of Testicular Pain
Testicular pain may be accompanied by signs and symptoms that help identify its cause and determine the severity of the condition. See the main ones below:
What Can Cause Testicular Pain?
The testicles are male sex glands located below the penis, inside the scrotum. Also called gonads, their function is to produce sperm and the main male hormone, testosterone.
For this reason, a painful testicle often causes concern among men. It is a sensitive area directly related to fertility and the body’s hormonal regulation.
This symptom may indicate that something is not right and that an underlying health condition may be behind the problem.
Below, see the main causes of testicular pain and the treatments commonly indicated for each of them.
1. Testicular Torsion
Pain caused by testicular torsion is usually intense and may be accompanied by swelling and redness in the testicles. Without proper evaluation and management, the condition may be associated with impaired testicular function, including fertility.
Testicular torsion occurs when the testicle twists around its own axis, causing twisting of the spermatic cord and blocking blood circulation in the area.
When blood flow is interrupted, the testicular tissue may suffer severe damage. If the problem is not treated within about six hours, there is a risk of testicle loss and fertility impairment.
Treatment usually involves surgery to reposition the testicle and restore blood circulation in the area.
2. Epididymitis
Epididymitis is an inflammation that affects the epididymis, a tube located at the back of the testicle that is responsible for storing and transporting sperm.
Among the most common symptoms are pain and swelling in one of the testicles, which may cause one side of the scrotum to become larger than the other.
This inflammation is often caused by bacterial infections, including sexually transmitted infections, but it may also be related to urinary or prostate infections.
Treatment usually involves the use of antibiotics, pain relievers, and cold compresses applied to the scrotal area.
3. Orchitis
Orchitis is inflammation or infection of the testicles, usually caused by viruses such as mumps. The condition may affect one or both testicles at the same time, causing pain and swelling in the area.
In addition to testicular discomfort, orchitis may be accompanied by symptoms such as blood in the urine or semen, fever, increased sensitivity in the scrotal area, and a feeling of hardening of the scrotum.
4. Varicocele
A varicocele is known as a condition similar to varicose veins in the testicles. This condition abnormally dilates the veins of the testicles, especially after strenuous activities.
The problem occurs due to changes in the functioning of the valves of the veins in the scrotum, which impairs blood return and affects circulation in the spermatic cord region.
Among the most common symptoms are severe pain in the left testicle, swelling, lumps, and testicular atrophy. It is a condition that deserves medical attention, as it may be associated with changes in male fertility.
Treatment may include conservative measures, such as the use of scrotal support and pain relievers to ease discomfort. In more advanced cases or when fertility is affected, surgery may be recommended.
5. Hydrocele
A hydrocele is another condition that may cause scrotal swelling. It is the accumulation of fluid around the testicle, inside the scrotum, forming a kind of fluid-filled sac. The condition may also occur in children.
In general, hydrocele does not interfere with sperm production and therefore does not usually affect male fertility.
In children, the condition may disappear spontaneously over time without causing harm to health. In adults, it may cause discomfort or pain when walking or during activities that require greater physical effort.
In some cases, it may also be associated with other scrotal conditions, such as varicocele.
6. Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia develops in the groin and is the most common type of abdominal hernia. When it develops, in addition to causing swelling in the groin, it may cause pain that radiates to the testicles.
Treatment for testicular pain caused by an inguinal hernia usually involves surgery to reposition the portion of the intestine that has moved.
During postoperative recovery, the patient may be advised to perform core-strengthening exercises, according to medical recommendation.
7. Prostatitis
For treatment, antibiotics may be prescribed and should be taken regularly for the period recommended by the physician, according to the clinical evolution of the condition.
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate and may cause several symptoms, such as fever, malaise, pain or burning during urination, and pain in the lower back. In some cases, it may also cause testicular pain.
This condition is often associated with bacterial infections and, depending on the type, may present few symptoms or even remain asymptomatic for long periods.
Treatment involves antibiotics, which must be used according to medical advice, with the goal of controlling the infection.
8. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, are frequent causes of testicular pain. These infections, usually acquired during unprotected sexual intercourse, may cause inflammation in the area known as orchiepididymitis.
This condition may cause pain, swelling, and discomfort in the scrotal region, in addition to progressing to more serious complications when not properly treated.
In addition to testicular pain, STIs may cause symptoms such as abnormal penile discharge, burning during urination, and redness in the genital area.
Prevention, through the use of condoms and regular testing, is essential to avoid these infections and preserve sexual health.
9. Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is considered a rare type of cancer. In Brazil, fewer than 150,000 cases are registered per year.
One of the main signs of the disease is the appearance of a lump in one of the testicles, which may cause a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, in addition to swelling and pain in the area.
The tumor may also change the size or consistency of the testicle, causing the man to notice asymmetry or visible changes in the scrotal area.
Because it is a cancer, treatment may involve approaches such as surgery to remove the affected testicle, as well as radiotherapy or chemotherapy, depending on the stage of the disease and medical evaluation.
Testicular Pain During or After Sexual Intercourse
It is common for some men to report pain during or soon after sexual intercourse. In addition to testicular pain, penile pain and a feeling of heaviness in the scrotal region may also occur.
These signs may indicate the presence of other penile conditions, such as Peyronie’s disease. In this condition, there is an abnormal curvature of the penis, which manifests mainly during erection.
The curvature may be accompanied by a reduction in penile length or girth, caused by the formation of fibrotic plaques in the tissue.
Another situation that requires attention is penile fracture. In this case, there is rupture of the tunica albuginea — the layer surrounding the corpora cavernosa — usually during trauma during sexual intercourse or improper manipulation of the penis.
This type of injury may also favor the formation of fibrosis and, consequently, contribute to the development of Peyronie’s disease.
Both conditions require immediate medical care to avoid changes in the penis and even more pain.
Can Testicular Pain Be Treated?
Testicular pain, in most cases, can be treated effectively, especially when there is an early diagnosis.
Treatment for testicular pain is related to the underlying cause and may include the use of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications or, in specific cases, surgical intervention.
How Testicular Pain Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis begins with a detailed clinical evaluation performed by a physician, usually a urologist. Initially, the professional asks questions about:
- the patient’s medical history;
- lifestyle;
- when the symptoms of testicular pain began.
Next, a physical examination is performed, in which the physician evaluates possible signs of swelling, tenderness, lumps, or other changes in the testicular region and nearby areas.
Depending on the initial findings, additional tests may be requested, such as testicular ultrasound, which helps identify inflammation, torsion, or fluid accumulation in the area.
In some cases, blood and urine tests may also be requested to investigate infections or other associated conditions. Based on this information, the doctor may identify the cause of the pain and indicate the most appropriate treatment.
Recommended Treatments for Testicular Pain
| Cause of Pain | Treatment | What It Means in Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Bacterial infections | Use of antibiotics and sometimes anti-inflammatory medication | The doctor prescribes medication to fight the bacteria and reduce pain and swelling. |
| Testicular torsion | Immediate surgery | It is an emergency. It requires prompt surgery to correct the position of the testicle and restore blood flow. |
| Injuries and trauma | Rest, ice, and pain relievers | Resting, applying an ice pack to the area, and taking pain medication may help recovery. |
| Varicocele and other chronic conditions | Surgery or simple procedures | If the problem is more serious or lasts a long time, a medical procedure may be necessary to correct it. |
| Mild inflammation | Rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and elevation of the testicles | Resting, taking anti-inflammatory medication, and in some cases keeping the testicles slightly elevated may improve circulation and relieve pain. |
Testicular pain, although it is a symptom that may cause concern, often responds well to treatment when evaluated early.
Whether caused by infections, injuries, or other conditions, early treatment may help reduce the risk of complications.
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