08/11/2026
🚹 MEN’S HEALTH EDUCATION SERIES
EPISODE 6: TESTICULAR PAIN
Testicular pain should never be ignored. It may come from the testicle itself, the surrounding structures or pain traveling from another part of the body.
Some causes are minor, but sudden pain may indicate testicular torsion—a medical emergency that can permanently damage the testicle within hours.
⚠️ POSSIBLE CAUSES
🔹 Testicular torsion: The s***matic cord twists and cuts off blood flow to the testicle. It usually causes sudden, severe pain on one side, swelling, nausea, vomiting or lower-abdominal pain.
🔹 Epididymitis: Inflammation or infection of the tube behind the testicle. Pain and swelling often develop more gradually and may occur with fever, painful urination, urinary frequency or pe**le discharge. It may be caused by an STI or urinary bacteria.
🔹 Injury: Sports, exercise, s*xual activity or direct impact may cause pain, bruising and swelling.
🔹 Varicocele: Enlarged veins in the sc***um may cause a dull, dragging ache or heavy feeling, often worse after standing or physical activity.
🔹 Inguinal hernia: Part of the intestine may push into the groin or sc***um, causing pain, swelling or a visible bulge.
🔹 Hydrocele or cyst: Fluid or a cyst around the testicle may cause swelling, heaviness or discomfort.
🔹 Referred pain: Kidney stones, back problems or nerve irritation may sometimes cause pain that is felt in the testicle.
🔹 Testicular cancer: Pain alone is not usually the main sign, but a painless lump, firmness, swelling or change in the size or shape of a testicle must be checked.
🚨 GET EMERGENCY HELP IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE:
• Sudden or severe pain in one testicle
• Pain with nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
• Rapid swelling, redness or a testicle sitting higher than usual
• Pain that continues while resting
• Severe pain following an injury
Do not wait to see whether sudden, severe pain will improve. Testicular torsion requires urgent surgery, and treatment is most successful when performed quickly. NHS guidance
🩺 HOW IS THE CAUSE IDENTIFIED?
A healthcare professional may perform an examination and order urine tests, STI testing or a scrotal ultrasound. When torsion is strongly suspected, emergency surgical evaluation should not be delayed.
✅ WHAT MAY HELP?
Treatment depends entirely on the cause:
• Torsion: Emergency surgery
• Bacterial epididymitis: Appropriate prescription antibiotics
• Minor injury: Rest, supportive underwear and a wrapped cold pack may help after serious injury has been excluded
• Pain relief: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be appropriate for some people, but they do not treat the underlying cause
• Varicocele, hernia, hydrocele or persistent pain: Medical or urological evaluation; a procedure may sometimes be needed
Do not take leftover antibiotics or assume every painful testicle is caused by an STI. Epididymitis treatment depends on whether the likely cause is an STI or urinary bacteria. CDC guidance
Arrange a medical evaluation for persistent aching, swelling, a lump, urinary symptoms or any change in the size, shape or firmness of a testicle.
Embarrassment should never delay care. Sudden testicular pain is an emergency until a healthcare professional determines otherwise.
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