Testicle pain

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When to see a doctor

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Sudden, severe testicle pain can be a sign of testicular torsion — a twisted testicle that can quickly lose its blood supply. This condition requires immediate medical treatment to prevent loss of the testicle.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have:

  • Sudden, severe testicle pain
  • Testicle pain accompanied by nausea, fever, chills or blood in your urine

Schedule a doctor's visit if you have:

  • Mild testicle pain lasting longer than a few days
  • A lump or swelling in or around a testicle

Self-care
These measures may help relieve mild testicle pain:

  • Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), unless your doctor has given you other instructions. Never give aspirin to your child without talking to a doctor first.
  • Support the scrotum with an athletic supporter. Use a folded towel for support when you're lying down.
References
  1. Wampler SM, et al. Common scrotal and testicular problems. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice. 2010;37:613.
  2. Eyre RC. Evaluation of the acute scrotum in adult men. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 13, 2010.
  3. Keoghane SR, et al. Investigating and managing chronic scrotal pain. BMJ. 2010;341:c6716.
  4. Brenner JS, et al. Causes of scrotal pain in children and adolescents. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 13, 2010.
MY00464 Feb. 10, 2011

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