Testicular pain is one of the most common reasons men see a urologist. It should not be ignored. The causes range from minor and self-limiting to urgent conditions that need same-day assessment. Mr Vinod Nargund provides a calm, discreet private consultation to identify the cause and set out a clear plan.
When to seek urgent help
Go to A&E or call 999 straight away if you have:
- Sudden, severe pain in one testicle, especially if it comes on quickly.
- Swelling, bruising, or a change in the colour of the scrotum.
- Pain with nausea, vomiting, or fever.
- Pain after a direct injury that does not settle within an hour.
Sudden severe pain may indicate testicular torsion, which is a surgical emergency.
Common causes of testicular pain
- Infection and inflammation. Epididymitis and orchitis are common, often linked to bacterial infection or a sexually transmitted infection. See our testicular infections page for more detail.
- Testicular torsion. The cord that supports the testicle twists and cuts off the blood supply. This is a medical emergency.
- Trauma. A direct blow can cause bruising, a haematoma, or more rarely a rupture that needs surgical repair.
- Varicocele. Enlarged veins in the scrotum can cause a dull, dragging ache. See our varicocele page.
- Epididymal cyst or hydrocele. Fluid-filled swellings that can sometimes be uncomfortable.
- Referred pain. Pain from a kidney stone, hernia, or nerve entrapment can feel as if it comes from the testicle.
- Chronic orchialgia. Persistent pain with no single cause, often needing a structured, multi-strand approach.
What to expect at the consultation
Mr Nargund will take a careful history, examine you, and arrange any necessary tests. These often include:
- Scrotal ultrasound to look at the structures of the testicle and blood flow.
- Urine tests and, where appropriate, screening for sexually transmitted infections.
- Blood tests if there are signs of systemic infection or inflammation.
- Further imaging if there is any suspicion of referred pain from the kidney or abdomen.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. Options include:
- Antibiotics for confirmed or strongly suspected infection.
- Anti-inflammatory medication and scrotal support for inflammation.
- Surgery for torsion, testicular rupture, symptomatic varicocele, or a persistent hydrocele.
- A structured chronic pain pathway where no single cause is found, drawing on medication, nerve-targeted treatment, and supportive physiotherapy.
Why patients choose Mr Nargund
- A clear explanation of what is causing the pain, in plain language.
- Same-consultation access to ultrasound and common diagnostic tests at HCA-affiliated facilities.
- A realistic treatment plan, not an over-investigation.
- Continuity of care with a consultant specialising in testicular disease.
Reviewed by Mr Vinod Nargund, MBBS, PhD, FRCS(Urol), FEBU. Last updated 12 September 2026.