What to Know About Orchialgia
Testicular pain is a common symptom to have at some point in your life.
Some causes of testicle pain are unknown.
The pain might even extend into the groin or abdomen.
Verywell / Alexandra Gordon
This article explores different causes of testicle pain, including an overview of how they are diagnosed and treated.
It also offers tips on how to relieve pain and prevent future episodes.
Verywell / Alexandra Gordon
Causes
Acute testicle pain is pain that occurs suddenly and severely.
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Chronic testicular pain, or orchialgia, is an entirely different issue.
This is defined as testicle pain that is either constant or comes and goes for three months or longer.
Pinpointing the exact cause of orchialgia can be difficult.
Studies suggest that up to 50% of testicular pain cases areidiopathic(meaning of unknown origin).
In cases like this, the pain may persist or resolve spontaneously on its own without treatment.
Epididymitis
Epididymitisis inflammation of a coiled tube at the back of the testicle called theepididymis.
This causes swelling, pain, and, in severe cases, fever and chills.
Testicular Trauma
Trauma to the testicle is usually mild.
Testicular injuries are very common in contact sports and with extreme cycling or horse riding.
Most of the time, injuries like these don’t cause permanent damage.
This is a common condition known as aninguinal hernia.
An inguinal hernia may look like a groin bulge when a person coughs or lifts something heavy.
In addition to pain, there may be a dragging sensation andswollen lymph nodesin the groin.
Referred Pain
Not all pain in the testicle area starts there.
Testicular Torsion
Testicular torsionis an emergency that usually requires surgery.
While testicular torsion is more common in infants and young boys, it can occur at any age.
When to Seek Medical Assistance
Testicular torsion is a medical emergency.
If left untreated, the blockage of blood supply can cause testicular tissues to die (atrophy).
Surgical repair must happen within six hours or the chances of losing the testicle are high.
Your healthcare provider will do a physical exam and recommend tests if you need them.
Physical Examination
During the physical exam, your healthcare provider will look at and feel your testicles.
They may press on them to check for swelling, tenderness, skin changes, and lumps.
The exam may include your abdomen and groin.
Labs and Tests
To check for infection, your healthcare provider will order a urine culture.
You may also need a swab to screen for sexually transmitted infections such aschlamydiaandgonorrhea.
These are substances calledtumor markersthat only make their way into the blood if cancer is present.
Imaging
One of the most common tests for testicular pain is anultrasound.
Acolor Doppler ultrasoundcan help detect blood circulation problems in cases of testicular torsion.
Here are a few options that might be part of your treatment plan.
Prescription drugs may be prescribed to treat the underlying cause.
This may involveantibioticsto treat certain STIs, UTIs, and other bacterial infections.
The treatment of these infections will almost invariably relieve pain.
In some cases, a urologist may cut the nerves to the testicle to stop the pain.
Surgery
To treat some conditions causing testicular pain, you may need surgery.
Practice good hygiene anduse condomsto avoid getting an STI.
It can also reduce the risk of UTIs if you engage in anal sex.
Summary
Testicle pain can come from infection, injury, blocked fluids, or another health condition.
Sometimes health professionals aren’t able to find an exact cause.
Treatment depends on the source of the problem.
Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications are often part of the plan.
Surgery may be necessary in rare cases.
Sometimes, the nerve supply to the testicles may be cut to stop the pain.
Much of the time, simple at-home treatments can ease pain as you recover.
A Word From Verywell
Testicle pain isnt widely discussed, even by urologists.
In the vast majority of cases, testicle pain can be treated.
Be open to discussing your concerns with your healthcare provider.
And of course, seek immediate medical care for any sudden and severe testicle pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes it can.
These are signs of a medical emergency known as testicular torsion.
With testicular cancer, the tumor is most often painless.
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