Testicle Pain - Is Swollen Testicles Scrotum Pain Or Lumps Signs Of Testicular Cancer Or Hernia?
Posted: Sunday, September 20, 2009
by Kacycarr
http://www.spotthepimple.com
I assume you're here because you're suffering from testicle pain, and just like other blokes with painful testicles you want to know why they're sore and the best way to treat the problem. Or is your reason more a concern that the pain is caused by something more serious like testicular cancer. It's perfectly natural for any man to worry about testicle pain with all the stories you hear, but its best you turn a deaf ear to hearsay. The only person you should listen too is you're GP. Painful or swollen testicles can be a result of an injury, so pain in this area does not necessarily mean cancer. Not all cancers bring pain and testicular cancer is usually one of those. Pain or no pain, if you feel a lump in your testicle then you must see your doctor.
Sudden, severe testicle pain shouldn't be ignored
Testicle pain is soreness in one or both testicles which can spread to the lower abdomen. The testicles are the two rounded balls located inside the scrotum (sac.) Some conditions that affect the male will have him suffer from abdominal pain first before testicle pain kicks in. One condition to name is testicular torsion.
Testicular torsion causes testicle twisting. Due to distortion the blood supply is cut off and causes tissue to die. It is a very serious condition which requires urgent attention. The condition is mostly diagnosed in young men between ages of 10 to 20 years old
Let us take a look at what might be causing your testicle pain
- Injury
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Testicular torsion
Epididymitis is a condition which causes inflammation of the epididymis (a curved structure to the rear of the testicle where sperm ripens and is kept.) It can cause mild discomfort to the more severe. It's typical to see the scrotum swell, turn red and feel warm. Epididymitis is the common cause of scrotal pain, and normally an outcome of a complication of a urinary system infection, and bacteria being primarily the cause. The sexually transmitted disease gonorrhoea was once listed as the chief cause. Over time things have changed and now it is more known to be brought about by chlamydia. Main symptom is inflammation of the ducts where sperm leaves the testicle. Another condition caused by bacteria, or virus, is Orchitis which is an inflammation of testicle tissue.
Swollen testicles (swelling) can occur because of many factors, and one to mention is fluid. There are many sorts of fluid collection:
- Varicocele affects the veins in the scrotum causing them to become enlarged. These veins carry blood away from the testicles.
- Spermatocele is fluid in the epididymis that forms a cyst which normally holds dead sperm cells.
- Hydrocele is commonly found in newborns. (Fluid filled scrotum.)
As with most conditions you have to be careful to what they might lead to if not treated right away. It's imperative you act on the sighting of a lump in your testicle, inflammation, swelling and pain sooner than later. Testicular torsion the condition mentioned earlier can lead to infertility if treated to late, so early treatment is the best and only way you can help prevent this from happening to you.
If you're testicle pain is caused by a minor injury or fluid buildup, then pain relief medicine might help ease soreness and reduce swelling if any.
Self help advice:
- You can help support the scrotum by wearing a athletic supporter
- Apply an icepack to the scrotum
- Warm water helps reduce inflammation
- Place a rolled towel under your scrotum when lying flat on your back
- Take pain killers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Aspirin should not be given to children
You are not to ignore symptoms like
- A lump in the scrotum
- High fever
- The scrotum is warm, red, or sore to the touch
There is nothing to fear when having a physical examination. Your GP will focus on the groin, testicles, and abdomen. To give an accurate diagnosis your GP will need to know a little about your medical background. He/she may ask questions like
- How long have you had testicular pain
- Is it one or both testicles that's affected
- Did the pain start suddenly
- Is the pain regular or irregular
- How bad is the pain
- Is the pain easing or getting worse
- Is there pain in the abdomen or back
- Have you injured yourself
- Have you had an infection
- Have you been treated for an STD
- Is there something in particular you do that makes the pain worse
- Does the pain disappear with medication
- What symptoms do you have (swelling, redness, urine color, high fever, or unexplained weight loss)
- Ultrasound of the testicles
- Urinalysis
- Inspection of prostate secretions
- Untwisting of the testicle
- Surgery to repair testicular torsion (if untwisting failed)
- Antibiotics to clear infections
- Medication
- Surgical drainage or removal of an abscess (uncommon)
- Surgery for a varicocele, a hydrocele, or spermatocele, more so if the varicocele is threatening infertility
If you come from my part of the world and you're "feeling down" people tend to say that life's one "Big Ball Ache". So in you're case it looks like you have both. So why not kill two birds with one stone and put a stop to you're worrying and soothe them aching balls.
Swollen testicles and why they happen
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)this was one of the best articles i have ever read and was easy to understand. written where the lay person can understand. all of us are not doctors. Thank you for the article and i will make this site one of my favorites E. Hunter, GeorgiaHi E Hunter I am glad this article was of help to you. You say the "Lay" person can easy understand this type of article, so it looks like I am a "Lay" sort of writer which makes me feel good if people like you get a better understanding of the problems they may have, or that is worrying them.Keep well and safe E HunterKacy
"If you come from my part of the world and you're "feeling down" people tend to say that life's one "Big Ball Ache". So in you're case it looks like you have both. So why not kill two birds with one stone and put a stop to you're worrying and soothe them aching balls." - That is classic!!..on a more serious note, i did find this article very informative and helpful. I have been suffering from a swollen scrotum, and stomach pain for the last day or so..which was agonising..it isn't so bad now but i shall seek medical assistance right away.Thank YouEd BallsHi Ed and on a more serious note also, is this your real name, if it is then how appropriate for such a topic. I think you are doing right by seeing your GP just to get pain relief and peace of mind. Sometimes a water infection can cause all sorts of upsets like this, or if of late you have injured yourself without knowing. It would be great if you could come back and let us know the outcome. Thanks for commenting Ed it is much appreciatedStay safeKacy
This is a bit weird to say but I think I might have a lump in my testicles because it feels like there is something on my testicle. Please respond.Hi, nothing is ever weird. If you think you feel a lump then it will have to be checked out. Now what you have to remember is, not all testicle lumps are something serious, but by having it checked it out early will help prevent it from turning into something seroius. Injury and strain are two common causes for bumps and lumps. Also genital conditions are treatable so let your doctor treat itCome back if you need meKeep wellKacyhi! i am a 22 year old guy who works on ship,a while before i suffered from abdominal pain and then suddenly i found my right testicle swollen and since then i am quite worried about what it is. I cant ask anyone coz its pretty embarassing so pls help regarding what it is as you say it can be cancer . can u pls tell me what r the symptoms of cancer in this case? and can u please tell if this problerm increases with masturbation?Hi Raul before we go panicking over your problem being a cancer let us look at likely reasons for swollen testicles. You mention masturbation well this can cause swelling of the testicles so you should reduce frequency of masturbating to see if there is change.
Pain doesn't always accompany swollen testicles; the presence or absence of pain depends on the cause of the swelling. Often, swollen testicles are caused by harmless fluid accumulations. However, swollen testicles can also be a symptom of testicular cancer but I still wouldn’t panic, but I would see a doctor if you know you haven’t traumatised this area in any way.
Other possible causes of testicle swelling, is orchitis which is inflammation of testicle tissue, which surrounds sperm ducts. Torsion of testicles can also be a cause. And hey Raul what’s there to be embarrassed about. Is it the masturbation thing you might need to mention if you visit a doctor, or just the fact your bits will be looked at? Neither should have you ashamed so go and get yourself checked out if this is a major concern for you
Keep well
Kacy
Hi Kacy Carr,
I have had a swollen testicle since Monday night. It all started 3 weeks ago when I had a kidney infection. After being described antibiotics it seemed to go away, or so I thought, then last Friday I had a pain in my penis all day and not just going to the toilet so I got a bit worried again. Saturday it went away so thought no more of it until I woke up at 5.30am Sunday morning with severe pain in my right testicle but no swelling. I ended up going to A&E and they said that it was not torsion but a infection as I still had bacteria in my urine so they prescribed me 2 lots of antibiotics and pain killers. Monday evening after sleeping most of the day I noticed my testicle had swollen to 3 times the size, red looking and painful. The next day I went back to A&E and luckily saw the doctor I had seen Sunday, straight away here organised a ultrasound to be done, which came back clear of any cancer, torsion or cyst, so again he diagnosed a infection. I am currently waiting for the results of the urine test to see what is the best antibiotics to be on. What I would like to know is, (1) how long does it normally take for the swelling to go down, been told over a week, (2) would ejaculating help get the infection out and reduce swelling, like passing water when you have a UTI. Supposed to go to the Maldives Sunday so any help would be gratefully appreciated.
MarleyHi Marley thats a load off your mind to get the all clear for what I think was your major concern. If you were told a week for the swelling to go down then I would settle for that, as long as you protect the area then you can't cause more delay in this getting better. I wouldn't say ejaculation would rid infection any faster. Infection is infection and will go away in its own time with appropriate medication (antibiotics.) I have never known ejaculation being a type medicine. Water does flush out the system but I'm pretty sure its is not this that cures the actual UTI, but a healthy option to get rid of bad waste for overall body well being.
I suggest you take things easy so as not strain anything down there and allow the swelling to go down on its own. A trip to the Maldives and plenty of rest should see you better improve your condition
Sorry I couldn't be more helpful Marley
Keep well
Kacy
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