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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staff
Testicular torsion occurs when the testicle rotates on the cord that runs upward from the testicle into the abdomen (spermatic cord). This rotation twists the spermatic cord and reduces blood flow. If the testicle rotates several times, blood flow to it can be entirely blocked, causing damage more quickly.
Males who get testicular torsion have an inherited trait that allows the testicle to rotate freely inside the scrotum. This inherited condition often affects both testicles.
In men and boys who are at risk of testicular torsion, the condition often occurs with no apparent trigger. Signs and symptoms of testicular torsion may start following:
- Physical activity
- An injury to the scrotum
- Sleep
- Tiemstra JD. Evaluation of scrotal masses. American Family Physician. 2008;78:1165.
- Leslie JA, et al. Pediatric urologic emergencies and urgencies. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2006;53:513.
- Schneck FX, et al. Abnormalities of the testes and scrotum and their surgical management. In: Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/171051125-2/913428548/1445/130.html?printi. Accessed Nov. 6, 2009.
- Testicular torsion. American Urological Association Foundation. http://www.urologyhealth.org/search/index.cfm?topic=134&search=men&searchtype=and. Accessed Nov. 13, 2009.
- Hittelman A. Neonatal testicular torsion. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 3, 2009.
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