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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staff
Testicular torsion occurs when the testicle rotates on the spermatic cord, which brings blood to the testicle from the abdomen. If the testicle rotates several times, blood flow to it can be entirely blocked, causing damage more quickly.
Most 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. But not every male with the trait will have testicular torsion.
What causes testicular torsion is unknown. Signs and symptoms of testicular torsion may follow:
- Physical activity
- An injury to the scrotum
- Cold temperatures
- Rapid growth of the testis during puberty
- Sleep
References
- Barthold JS. Abnormalities of the testes and scrotum and their surgical management. In: Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/booksS/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6911-9..C2009-1-60786-3--TOP&isbn=978-1-4160-6911-9&uniqId=314388803-2. Accessed Jan. 24, 2012.
- Somani BK, et al. Testicular torsion. BMJ. 2010;341:c3213.
- Cubillos J, et al. Familial testicular torsion. Journal of Urology. 2011;185:2469.
- Tiemstra JD. Evaluation of scrotal masses. American Family Physician. 2008;78:1165.
- Snyder HM, et al. In utero/neonatal torsion: Observation versus prompt exploration. Journal of Urology. 2010;183:1675.
- Roth CC, et al. Salvage of bilateral asynchronous perinatal testicular torsion. Journal of Urology. 2011;185:2464.
- Nippoldt TB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 28, 2012.
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