Testicular pain is a common cause of discomfort in men. The pain may be acute with a sudden onset and discontinue after several weeks or months. It may also be chronic and resistant to treatment. There are a variety of factors that may cause testicular pain.
An infection in the outer region of the testicle, called epididymititis, is one reason that pain may develop. Orchiditis, or the inflammation of the testicles, leads to pain as well. Both of these conditions may be the result of swelling in the prostate and the occurrence of this underlying issue is higher in older men.
Acute pain is typically the result of an injury to the testicles and may be an indication of a more serious underlying condition such as testicular torsion. In addition, cancers in the testicles, the prostate, or the lower back may cause chronic testicular pain. Pain in this region may also develop after undergoing common treatments that are administered to remove cancer from the body, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. This happens because one of the side effects of these types of cancer treatments is nerve damage.
Symptom Evaluation
Testicular pain can be caused by numerous factors, such as infection in the testicles, trauma and surgical procedures. Because the testicles are sensitive, even minor injuries may induce pain. Related conditions such as testicular torsion, epididymitis (testicle inflammation) or urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) present similar symptoms to those of orchialgia and require immediate medical treatment.
Other causes of pain include: Diabetic neuropathy – nerve damage due to diabetes
Gangrene – blood supply loss caused by infection
Kidney stones – pain from passing kidney stones may localize in the testicle region
Retractile testicle – a testicle that moves up inside the groin
Urinary tract infection
Hernia
Other conditions
Sometimes, the exact cause of the pain in unknown, which is referred to as idiopathic testicular pain. Any man with testicular pain should visit a urologist to identity the cause, rule out other possible conditions and begin a treatment plan.
Testicular Pain Treatment
Those experiencing mild to moderate testicular pain may try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, and icing the testicles to reduce pain and swelling. When pain lasts for longer than a few days, or swelling occurs in the testicle, it’s important to schedule a visit to the doctor.
Treating chronic pain may involve one or more of the following treatment paths:
- Medications
- Biofeedback
- Physical therapy
- Pelvic floor muscles strengthening exercises
- Acupuncture.
If the cause of pain is unidentifiable, medical treatment may involve antibiotics, scrotal support or surgery. Scrotal supports, also known as a cup, support the scrotum and may relieve swelling and associated pain. Surgical procedures for pain in the testes to reduce fluid buildup in and around the testicles.
Next Steps…
Testicular pain could be nothing to worry about – or it could be an important symptom to a serious disease. It should always be checked. Give us a call or send us an email to schedule.