Testicular pain (also called orchalgia) can show itself in several ways:
- increased sensitivity of the testicle
- a dull ache
- a dragging pain
- a painful, swollen testicle
The pain may also be felt up in the groin or going into the loin (the side of the back). It may come with redness of the skin of the scrotum, hardness in the testicle, or swelling of the testicle.
The pain itself can come on suddenly (acute), or gradually over a few days or weeks (chronic).
What causes testicular pain?
Causes include:
- infection
- injury
- inflammation
- torsion (twisting of the cord that supplies the testicle)
- sometimes, cancer
Although pain on one side is common, it is not unusual to have pain in both testicles. With infections there may also be fever and lethargy.
When is it urgent?
If the pain has started recently and gets rapidly worse, especially with nausea or vomiting, please see a doctor as soon as possible. This could be a torsion, which needs urgent medical attention. Out of hours, go to A&E.
How is it investigated?
The urologist will first examine the testicles. The main test is then an ultrasound examination. Depending on what is found, more tests may be planned.
Specialist help for testicular pain
Long-standing testicular pain can be one of the most difficult conditions to treat, and many men go from one appointment to the next without a clear answer. Testicular pain is one of Mr Nargund’s specialist interests, and he has published research on its diagnosis and management. More on how he assesses and treats it is on the testicular pain page.
To book a consultation in Marylebone, call 07735 000 903 or ask for a call back.
References
- Kapoor S, Nargund VH. Diagnosis: testicular pain. The Practitioner 2002; 246: 792.
- Kumar P, Mehta V, Nargund VH. Clinical management of chronic testicular pain. Urologia Internationalis 2010; 84: 125.