What Should I Do If I’m Experiencing Pain in My Testicles?

Dealing with testicular pain can be particularly distressing due to the sensitive nature of the area involved. Testicular discomfort might emerge subtly as a mild ache or quite abruptly as sharp, severe pain. Both situations can be equally concerning and warrant careful attention and prompt action. In this blog, renowned urologist Dr. Anand Shridharani’s team explores what you should know and do to be proactive about your testicular health.

Recognize the Symptoms

Testicular pain can vary in intensity and duration. It might be localized to one testicle or affect both. Symptoms accompanying the pain can include swelling, redness, or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. Sometimes, testicular pain may be associated with other symptoms like nausea, fever, or urinary problems, which are important to note as they can indicate more serious conditions.

Identify Possible Causes

Testicular pain can stem from a variety of causes. Some of the more common include:

• Infections or Inflammation: Conditions such as epididymitis (inflammation of the tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm) or orchitis (inflamed testicle).
• Trauma or Injury: Even a mild injury can cause testicular pain. Severe or sudden pain following an injury requires immediate medical attention.
• Testicular Torsion: This is a medical emergency. It occurs when a testicle twists, cutting off its blood supply. If you experience sudden, severe pain, visit the emergency room immediately.
• Hernias: An inguinal hernia can cause pain that extends into the scrotum.
• Varicocele: Enlarged veins within the scrotum can cause discomfort, often described as a feeling of a bag of worms.

Take Immediate Action

If you’re experiencing testicular pain, here are some steps you can take:

• Perform a Self-Examination: Gently feel each testicle for swelling, lumps, or changes in firmness. However, don’t exert too much pressure.
• Seek Medical Advice: When the pain is severe, sudden, or accompanied by symptoms like fever, nausea, or vomiting, contact Dr. Shrid’s office immediately.
• Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: For mild pain, over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce discomfort, but they are not a solution for underlying conditions.

When to See a Urologist

Prompt evaluation by a urologist is crucial, especially if the pain is acute or the cause is unknown. Dr. Shrid and his team can conduct diagnostic tests such as ultrasound or urine analysis to determine the source of the pain and recommend appropriate treatments.

Make an Appointment

The bottom line is that testicular pain should never be ignored. At our clinic, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a range of conditions that could be responsible for your discomfort. If you’re experiencing persistent or severe testicular pain, don’t wait to reach out to Chattanooga’s top urologist. Contact us at (423) 778-4MEN today.