Experiencingtesticular paincan be taxing both physically and emotionally.
The problem is that there are some serious conditions that can cause testicular pain.
This article looks at five such conditions, including one this is considered a true medical emergency.
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Symptoms of epididymitis include:
Epididymitis is usually due to an infection.
In sexually active people, thesexually transmitted diseases (STDs)gonorrheaandchlamydiaare common causes.
In older adults, bacterial infections can also lead to epididymitis.
Epididymitis is typically treated with antibiotics.
If left untreated, epididymitis can lead to chronic pain or infertility.
Recap
Epididymitis is the inflammation of the epididymis.
It is often triggered by gonorrhea, chlamydia, and other bacterial infections.
Epididymitis causes pain that is often relieved by lifting the testicle.
Orchitis
Orchitisis inflammation of the testicles.
The suffix “-itis” simply means inflammation, while"orches" means testicle.
Symptoms of orchitis include:
Orchitis is frequently related to an epididymis infection that has spread to the testicle.
Orchitis can occur during adolescence due to themumps virus.
In sexually active adults, gonorrhea and chlamydia are common culprits.
The treatment often involves oral antibiotics.
Infertility and chronic pain are also possible complications of orchitis.
Mumps is a common cause of orchitis in adolescents, while adults often get it from gonorrhea or chlamydia.
Epididymal Hypertension (Blue Balls)
“Blue balls” is slang for epididymal hypertension.
Symptoms of epididymal hypertension include:
Epididymal hypertension is rarely serious and can often be resolved by ejaculating.
Other people find relief using theValsalva maneuverin which you pinch your nose and lips while forcefully expelling air.
Even without treatment, epididymal hypertension will usually resolve on its own within several hours.
When it occurs in the groin, it is called an inguinal hernia.
There may also be discomfort or pain at the site of the hernia extending to the adjacent testicle.
The tissue can often be pushed back through the opening in the groin.
If the intestines bulge through the opening, it can cause intestinal blockage.
An inguinal hernia can become a medical emergency if it becomes “stuck.”
This can lead to vascular strangulation in which the hernia becomes starved of adequate blood flow.
An inguinal hernia will not go away on its own and requires surgical repair.
An inguinal hernia requires surgery.
It is a true medical emergency that requires immediate surgery.
People with testicular torsion often have no underlying medical condition.
It can affect both adults and children but is most common between the ages of 10 and 20.
If testicular torsion is not treated immediately, the testicle may become strangulated and lost.
The pain will usually worsen when the ball is lifted.
Immediate surgery is required.
Summary
Testicular pain is something you should never ignore.
The cause is not always serious, but the majority of cases require treatment by a healthcare provider.
Five common causes of testicular pain are:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes.
Known medically as epididymal hypertension, blue balls can occur after a long period of arousal without ejaculation.
Sperm buildup can actually cause your testicles to have a slight blue tinge.
The good news is blue balls typically resolve after ejaculating.
Pain in the testicles can be concerning.
STIs gonorrhea and chlamydia can each cause two different conditions associated with testicle pain: epididymitis and orchitis.
Epididymitis is inflammation of the long, coiled tube that transports sperm from the testicles.
Orchitis is an inflammation of the testicles.
Both conditions can potentially lead to infertility and should be treated promptly.
Trojian TH, Lishnak TS, Heiman D.Epididymitis and Orchitis: An Overview.American Family Physician.
2009;79(7):583-587.
The Official Foundation of the American Urological Association.Testicular torsion.
