Swollen Testicle
A swollen testicle can be alarming, but it’s a common issue with many possible causes, including infections, injuries, fluid buildup, hernias, and even testicular cancer. Identifying the cause is important because some conditions resolve on their own, while others require prompt medical care.
Pain, redness, or changes in the scrotum’s appearance may occur along with swelling. Anyone with sudden, severe pain or persistent swelling should see a doctor to determine the problem and begin appropriate treatment.
Definition of Symptom
A swollen testicle means that one or both testicles are larger than normal. You can often see or feel this swelling in the scrotum, which is the sac that holds the testicles. Sometimes, the skin may also look red or shiny.
Testicular swelling can appear suddenly or develop over time. It may be painless or cause pain or discomfort. Other symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, tenderness, or a lump in the testicle. Common symptoms linked to scrotal swelling:
- Pain or tenderness
- Redness or warmth
- Heaviness in the scrotum
- Visible enlargement
An enlarged testicle may affect just one side or both sides. Swelling might come with other issues like fever or pain when urinating. Sudden, severe testicular pain with swelling may signal a medical emergency, such as testicular torsion. Different terms are often used, but they can mean similar things:
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Swollen testicle | Testicle is bigger than normal. |
| Testicular swelling | General swelling of the testicle. |
| Scrotal swelling | Swelling involves the whole scrotum. |
| Enlarged testicle | The testicle feels or appears larger. |
| Testicle pain | Discomfort or soreness in the testicle area. |
Possible Causes/Diseases Condition
Many things can cause a swollen testicle, ranging from mild to serious. One common cause is epididymitis, which happens when the tube at the back of the testicle that carries sperm becomes inflamed. This often comes from sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea, but urinary tract infections can also cause it.
Testicular torsion is another urgent cause. In this situation, the testicle twists and cuts off its own blood supply. This leads to sudden, severe pain and swelling and needs treatment right away to save the testicle. Orchitis is inflammation of the testicle, caused by viral or bacterial infections, such as the mumps virus or sexually transmitted diseases. Sometimes, both the testicle and the epididymis become inflamed together, called epididymo-orchitis.
Urinary tract infections and kidney stones can irritate or infect areas near the testicle, leading to swelling. Non-infectious causes include hydrocele and spermatocele. A hydrocele is a buildup of fluid around the testicle, usually leading to painless swelling. A spermatocele is a cyst in the epididymis that may cause a lump or swelling.
Some people may develop testicular swelling because of testicular tumors or testicular cancer. While less common, it’s important to have any swelling checked by a healthcare provider to rule out serious conditions. Here’s a simple table of causes:
| Cause | Type | Common Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Epididymitis | Infection | Pain, swelling |
| Testicular torsion | Emergency | Sudden pain, swelling |
| Orchitis | Infection | Swelling, tenderness |
| Hydrocele | Fluid buildup | Painless swelling |
| Spermatocele | Cyst | Lump, swelling |
| Testicular cancer/tumors | Tumor | Swelling, lump |
| UTIs/kidney stones | Infection/irritation | Pain, discomfort |
Other Non-Disease Causes
Swollen testicles can also result from things that are not diseases. Physical injuries, such as being hit during sports or an accident, commonly cause swelling. The swelling often lasts a few days and improves with rest and ice.
Hernias, especially inguinal hernias, can cause swelling in the testicles or scrotum. This happens when part of the intestine pushes through the lower abdominal muscles and enters the scrotum. Even though hernias are not diseases, they still need medical attention.
Signs include a bulge, swelling, or discomfort, especially when coughing or standing. Other non-disease causes include extra fluid from minor strains or heavy lifting, which may cause temporary swelling.
How It Causes the Symptom
Swollen testicles often develop when fluid builds up, inflammation happens, or an injury occurs in the scrotal area. For example, infections trigger the body to send extra blood and immune cells to fight germs, which leads to swelling.
Fluid can collect if the veins in the scrotum do not drain well. This makes the scrotum look bigger or shiny and can sometimes feel heavy or uncomfortable. If the spermatic cord that supplies blood to the testicle gets twisted (testicular torsion), blood flow stops. This causes quick and serious swelling and often brings sudden pain.
Urinary tract infections may also cause painful urination along with testicular swelling. The swelling often comes with other symptoms like redness, warmth, or pain. Here is a simple table showing some main causes and how they lead to swelling:
| Cause | How Swelling Happens |
|---|---|
| Infection | Inflammation brings fluid and immune cells. |
| Injury | Bleeding or swelling after trauma. |
| Torsion (twisted cord) | Blocked blood causes immediate swelling. |
| Fluid buildup (edema) | Fluid collects due to vein or lymph problems. |
Sometimes, a cyst or tumor grows in the scrotum, causing visible enlargement. Fluid buildup from these or other causes can stretch the skin, making the change easy to see or feel.
Possible Complications
Swollen testicles can cause several problems if not treated. Early care helps reduce the risk of long-term effects. Testicular torsion is a serious complication. If blood flow stops for too long, the testicle can become damaged and may need to be removed. Immediate treatment is crucial.
Some infections, like epididymitis, can spread to other tissues if not managed. This can cause abscesses or even lead to infertility. Chronic pain may develop even after an injury or infection heals. This pain can interfere with daily activities and affect quality of life. A table below lists some possible complications and related symptoms:
| Complication | Possible Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Infertility | Difficulty having children |
| Chronic pain | Ongoing discomfort |
| Abscess | Fever, swelling, redness |
| Tissue death | Severe pain, dark discoloration |
People sometimes use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage pain or swelling. However, pain relievers only help with symptoms and do not fix the cause. In rare cases, testicular cancer can show up as swelling.
When to Seek Medical Attention
A swollen testicle is not something to ignore. In some cases, it may signal an urgent health problem. Take action right away if you have:
- Sudden and severe pain or swelling.
- Pain that does not go away within an hour.
- Nausea, vomiting, or fever along with swelling.
- Redness or warmth of the scrotum.
Other signs that mean you should see a doctor:
- Swelling that lasts more than a few days.
- A lump or hard area in the testicle.
- Pain or discomfort while urinating.
If you have swelling after an injury and it does not get better, see a healthcare provider soon.
Table: When to Seek Medical Attention
| Symptom | Action Required |
|---|---|
| Sudden severe pain and swelling | Get emergency help |
| Swelling with fever or nausea | Call a doctor right away |
| Lump or mass in testicle | Schedule a visit |
| Swelling lasting longer than a few days | See a healthcare provider |
Waiting too long to get checked can raise the risk of complications or lasting harm. Even without pain, you should get a swollen testicle checked by a healthcare professional to rule out serious causes.
