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Testicle pain
By Mayo Clinic staffMayo Clinic Health Manager
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Definition
Testicle pain is pain that occurs in or around one or both testicles. Testicle pain has a number of possible causes. The testicles are very sensitive organs, and even a minor injury can cause testicle pain or discomfort. Testicle pain may arise from the testicle itself or from the structure behind the testicle (epididymis). Testicle pain may also be caused by problems that start in the groin or lower abdomen.
Severe testicle pain that comes on quickly 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 affected testicle.
Causes
Testicle pain can be caused by many things and may come from testicular disorders or pain from somewhere else in the groin. They may include:
- Chlamydia
- Epididymitis (testicle inflammation)
- Hydrocele (swelling of the scrotum)
- Inguinal hernia
- Kidney stones
- Mumps
- Orchitis (inflamed testicle)
- Retractile testicle (a testicle that pulls up inside the groin — this condition occurs in young boys)
- Scrotal masses
- Spermatocele (fluid buildup in the testicle)
- Testicle injury or blow to the testicles
- Testicular torsion (twisted testicle)
- Testicular cancer
- Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)
When to see a doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if you have:
- Sudden, severe testicle pain
- Testicle pain accompanied by nausea, fever, chills or blood in the 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) acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), unless your doctor has given you other instructions. Never give aspirin to a child.
- Support the scrotum with an athletic supporter, or with a folded towel when lying down.
- Galejs LE, et al. Evaluation of scrotal masses. American Academy of Family Physicians. http://www.aafp.org/afp/990215ap/817.html. Accessed Dec. 13, 2008.
- Eyre RC. Evaluation of the acute scrotum in adult men. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 13, 2008.
