AK Twisted Wellness Guide: Understanding Testicular Pain and Its Causes

Understanding Testicular Pain and Its Causes

Pain is never fun. But testicular pain can cause a special kind of agony. Apart from being debilitating, testicular pain—though common—is also associated with several medical conditions. But don’t freak out. There are plenty of non-serious explanations for your issues “down there.” In many cases, only a healthcare professional can identify the cause of your pain and offer the appropriate medical treatment.

What is testicular pain?

Experts tend to break down testicular pain into two categories: “acute” and “chronic”.

Acute testicular pain refers to any kind of pain you feel inside your scrotum. This pain can manifest in various forms, each potentially indicating a different underlying cause. It may range from severe, unilateral or bilateral pain to dull aches, throbbing, or swelling accompanied by fever or stinging urine. Acute pain can escalate rapidly, making it crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

Chronic testicular pain refers to pain that persists or recurs over time. While it shares similarities with acute pain initially, distinguishing between the two requires professional evaluation.

Common causes of testicular pain

1. Testicular torsion: This occurs when the testicles or scrotal contents twist abnormally, cutting off blood flow. Urgent medical intervention is necessary to prevent permanent damage or loss of the testicle.

2. Epididymitis: An infection of the epididymis, often resulting from sexually transmitted infections or urinary tract infections, causing swelling and inflammation in the scrotum.

3. Varicoceles: Enlarged veins inside the scrotum that can cause pain or discomfort, sometimes described as feeling like a “bag of worms.”

4. Cysts or lumps: Epididymal cysts or hydroceles, fluid-filled masses around the testicles, are common non-cancerous causes of testicular lumps and pain. Testicular cancer is rare but can also present as a lump or pain in the testicles.

5. Chronic conditions: Chronic testicular pain may result from factors such as vasectomy or orchialgia, characterized by persistent discomfort lasting over three months.

When to see a doctor

While some testicular pain may resolve on its own, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Severe or persistent pain, particularly if accompanied by swelling, fever, or vomiting, may indicate a serious underlying condition such as testicular torsion. Prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential to rule out emergencies and ensure appropriate treatment.

In conclusion, while testicular pain can be alarming, it is often manageable with timely medical intervention. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you experience concerning symptoms. Your AK Twisted Wellness provider is here to support your health journey and provide expert guidance tailored to your needs.

Disclaimer

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on AK Twisted Wellness Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Sources:

1. Anderson, B. B., & Williamson, R. C. (2013). Testicular torsion in Bristol: a 25-year review. BJU international, 111(3), 448-451.
2. Fijak, M., & Pilatz, A. (2016). Epididymitis and orchitis. Urologe-Ausgabe A, 55(8), 1064-1070.
3. Michael, H., Hotaling, J. M., & Komaroff, E. (2019). Varicocele: updated perspectives on the pathophysiology and surgical management. Translational Andrology and Urology, 8(Suppl 1), S24.
4. Nelson, C. P., & Williams, J. G. (2007). Testicular torsion: new perspectives. The Canadian Journal of Urology, 14(3), 3593-3598.
5. Prando, D. (2015). Torsion of the spermatic cord: the main gray-scale and Doppler sonographic signs. Abdominal imaging, 40(8), 3089-3106.