Testicle Pain
Testicle pain can come from many different causes, ranging from minor injuries to serious conditions. Issues such as infections, inflammation, hernias, kidney stones, or testicular torsion (which needs urgent attention) can lead to pain. Sometimes, pain starts in another part of the body, like the lower abdomen or groin, and travels to the testicles.
This symptom can affect one or both testicles and may feel sharp, dull, or throbbing. Swelling, redness, or a lump may also appear. Some causes are temporary and treatable, while others require urgent care to prevent long-term damage.
Definition of Symptom
Testicular pain means discomfort or aching in one or both testicles. The pain may be sharp, dull, or throbbing. It can occur suddenly or develop gradually. The testicles sit inside the scrotum, a sac of skin below the penis. They produce sperm and hormones, including testosterone. Pain in this area can affect daily activities and may signal an underlying issue.
Sometimes, pain starts in another part of the body, such as the lower abdomen or groin, and is felt in the testicles. This is called referred pain. The discomfort may involve nearby structures, such as the epididymis—a coiled tube behind each testicle that stores and carries sperm. When the epididymis becomes inflamed, the scrotum can swell and feel tender.
Common Characteristics of Testicular Pain
- Localized pain in one or both testicles.
- Swelling or redness of the scrotum.
- Pain spreading to the groin, abdomen, or lower back.
- Sensitivity when touching the testicle.
Pain Type Examples
| Pain Quality | Possible Onset | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp | Sudden | May indicate torsion or injury. |
| Dull ache | Gradual | Can be linked to infection or inflammation. |
| Throbbing | Variable | May follow trauma or strain. |
Testicular pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis. A healthcare provider usually needs to check the testicles, scrotum, and surrounding areas to find the cause.
Possible Causes/Diseases Condition
Many different conditions can cause testicle pain. The pain may be sudden or develop slowly, and it can affect one or both testicles.
Common Causes
- Epididymitis – Inflammation of the tube at the back of the testicle, often due to infection.
- Orchitis – Swelling of the testicle itself, sometimes linked to infections like mumps.
- Testicular torsion – A twist in the spermatic cord that cuts off blood flow; this is a medical emergency.
Other Possible Conditions
- Varicocele – Enlarged veins in the scrotum that may cause a dull ache.
- Hydrocele – Fluid buildup around the testicle, leading to swelling.
- Spermatocele – A fluid-filled cyst in the epididymis.
- Testicular cancer – Can cause a lump, heaviness, or discomfort.
Pain can also result from issues outside the scrotum. For example, a kidney stone can cause pain that spreads to the testicle. An inguinal hernia happens when tissue pushes through the abdominal wall into the groin, sometimes causing scrotal pain. Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) can cause aching in the groin or testicles. Infections such as mumps can inflame testicular tissue in some cases.
| Condition | Main Feature | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Testicular torsion | Sudden severe pain, swelling | Emergency |
| Epididymitis | Gradual pain, swelling | Prompt care |
| Varicocele | Dull ache, enlarged veins | Non-urgent eval |
| Hydrocele | Fluid swelling | Non-urgent eval |
Other Non-Disease Causes
Not all testicle pain comes from infections or medical conditions. Sometimes, physical strain, environmental factors, or temporary irritation cause pain. Common non-disease causes include:
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Trauma or Injury | A direct hit or pressure to the testicles can cause pain that may last minutes to hours. |
| Prolonged Sitting | Sitting for long periods, such as during travel or desk work, can put pressure on the groin area. |
| Post-surgical Discomfort | Pain can occur after surgery in the groin, abdomen, or scrotum as tissues heal. |
Minor trauma is one of the most frequent non-disease triggers. Sports injuries, accidental strikes, or tight clothing can irritate the area without causing lasting damage. Prolonged sitting can reduce blood flow and place constant pressure on the testicles. Drivers, office workers, and travelers may notice discomfort that improves with movement or standing.
After certain surgeries, such as hernia repair or procedures involving the urinary tract, some people feel temporary testicle pain. This often goes away as swelling decreases. Sexual activity can sometimes lead to short-term pain from strain or overuse of muscles in the pelvic area. This usually resolves without treatment. While these causes are not linked to infections, they can still cause noticeable discomfort.
How It Causes the Symptom
When nerves in the testicles or surrounding areas sense injury, infection, swelling, or pressure, they send pain signals to the brain. Swelling often develops when inflammation increases blood flow and fluid in the scrotum. This can stretch tissues and make them more sensitive to touch.
Infections, such as epididymitis or orchitis, can cause both swelling and tenderness. The immune response to infection releases chemicals that irritate nerves, leading to ongoing discomfort. Testicular torsion twists the spermatic cord and cuts off blood supply. This sudden change causes intense pain within minutes, often with nausea or swelling on one side.
Conditions outside the scrotum, such as kidney stones or certain hernias, can also send pain signals to the testicles through shared nerve pathways. Some men feel pain during ejaculation when inflammation or blockage affects the prostate, seminal vesicles, or epididymis. This pain may be sharp or aching and can occur with testicular discomfort.
| Cause | How It Triggers Pain | Common Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Injury | Direct trauma irritates nerves | Bruising, swelling |
| Infection | Inflammation and fluid buildup | Redness, warmth |
| Torsion | Blood flow cut off to tissue | Sudden severe pain |
| Referred pain | Nerve pathways share signals | Groin or abdominal pain |
Nerve sensitivity, tissue swelling, and changes in blood flow are the main physical processes that create the symptom. Each cause affects these processes in different ways, leading to variations in pain type and severity.
Possible Complications
If you do not treat testicle pain, it can sometimes lead to long-term discomfort or chronic pain that lasts more than three months. This may happen even after treating the original cause. Some causes, such as testicular torsion, can result in loss of the testicle if not treated quickly.
This can affect fertility and hormone production. Infections like epididymitis may spread to surrounding tissues. If severe, they can cause abscesses or damage to the reproductive tract. Potential complications include:
| Cause | Possible Complication |
|---|---|
| Testicular torsion | Tissue death, loss of testicle |
| Infection | Abscess, infertility |
| Trauma | Internal bleeding, swelling |
| Untreated hernia | Bowel obstruction |
Injury or surgery in the groin area can sometimes damage nerves and cause ongoing pain, making physical activity or daily movement uncomfortable. In rare cases, pain may be linked to tumors. Delayed diagnosis can allow cancer to spread and make treatment more difficult.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical care right away if you experience sudden, severe testicle pain. This can signal a serious condition such as testicular torsion, which needs urgent treatment to prevent lasting damage. Pain that comes with swelling, redness, fever, chills, nausea, or blood in the urine also needs prompt attention. These symptoms may point to infection, injury, or other urgent problems.
If mild discomfort lasts more than a few days, ask a healthcare provider to check the cause. Never ignore a lump or change in size or shape of a testicle, as it may need further testing. Situations that need medical attention include:
- Pain after an injury to the groin or scrotum.
- Persistent ache in one or both testicles.
- Noticeable swelling or firmness.
- Pain with urination or unusual discharge.
Doctors can check for infection using urinalysis or urine cultures. They may also do a physical exam and use imaging, like an ultrasound, to find the cause and decide on treatment. If you get a diagnosis early, you may avoid complications. Waiting too long for severe or unexplained testicle pain can make things worse, so get checked as soon as possible.
