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Unexpected pain is never pleasant, but testicular pain can be especially nerve-wracking. Still, there’s no need to panic. We’re here to walk you through the symptoms and possible treatment plans, so you can get back to feeling comfortable and relaxed.
Steps
Question 1 of 7:
How can I ease testicular pain at home?
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Ice your scrotum as needed. Wrap a cold pack or bag of ice in a towel or cloth, so the ice doesn’t directly touch your skin. Then, apply the ice to your scrotum for 10-20 minutes at a time. [1] X Research source
- If you don’t feel like applying ice, a warm bath can also help with the pain. [2] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
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Cushion your scrotum with an athletic supporter or towel. Experts suggest slipping into an athletic supporter, which may help with some of the swelling and discomfort during the day. When you head to bed, slide a rolled-up towel beneath your scrotum for extra support. [3] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
- You can buy athletic supporters online, or at most big-name retail stores.
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Take over-the-counter painkillers. Acetaminophen and NSAIDs can provide quick relief for your testicular pain. To be safe, always double-check the dosage instructions, and don’t take more than the recommended amount of medication in a single day. [4] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Question 2 of 7:
Do I need to go to the emergency room?
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Call emergency services if your testicular pain is really sudden and severe. Sudden, extreme testicular pain might be caused by testicular torsion, or when one of your testicles twists and doesn’t get enough circulation. Testicular torsion is really serious, and it needs to be examined and treated by a doctor right away. [5] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Get immediate help if you notice other symptoms, like nausea. If you experience nausea, chills, fever, and/or bloody urine in addition to testicular pain, you should get help right away. These symptoms definitely aren’t normal, and you shouldn’t try to wait them out at home. [6] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Some pain caused by fluid buildup around your testicles may need to be drained if they're causing too much discomfort. [7]
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Expert Source
Robert Dhir, MD
Board Certified Urologist & Urological Surgeon Expert Interview. 23 September 2020.
- Some pain caused by fluid buildup around your testicles may need to be drained if they're causing too much discomfort. [7]
X
Expert Source
Robert Dhir, MD
Question 3 of 7:
When should I go to the doctor for testicular pain?
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Call your regular doctor if the pain lasts for a few days. A few hours or even a couple of days of mild testicle pain is one thing, but day after day of pain definitely isn’t normal. A doctor can help you figure out what’s going on, and suggest a helpful treatment plan. [8] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Schedule a doctor’s appointment if you notice swelling or a lump. These symptoms aren’t signs of an immediate medical emergency, but they shouldn’t leave them unchecked, either. At your earliest convenience, meet with your doctor so you can figure out what the problem is. [9] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- This could be a sign of a hydrocele, which is when fluid builds up around your testicles and feels like a water balloon. [10]
X
Expert Source
Robert Dhir, MD
Board Certified Urologist & Urological Surgeon Expert Interview. 23 September 2020.
- This could be a sign of a hydrocele, which is when fluid builds up around your testicles and feels like a water balloon. [10]
X
Expert Source
Robert Dhir, MD
Question 4 of 7:
Why does one side of my balls hurt?
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It’s probably testicular torsion or another injury. Testicular torsion tends to pop up in your left testicle, and doesn’t usually occur in both. It could also be a case of testicular appendage torsion, where you’ll notice a lot of pain in 1 testicle, as well as a distinct, firm lump on top. One of your testicles might also hurt after a sports injury or other random accident. [11] X Research source
- If lifting up your scrotum relieve pain, immediately seek medical help since it requires surgery.
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Infections, prostatitis, or kidney stones might be the problem. STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can infect and inflame parts of your testicles. An inflamed prostate, or prostatitis, or kidney stones might also be the culprit. [12] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
- For example, epididymitis occurs when the back of your testicles swell or hurt. [13] X Research source Gonorrhea and chlamydia can both cause this. [14] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Question 7 of 7:
What if I have chronic testicular pain?
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Ask your doctor about microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord. During this procedure, a surgeon will cut into your testicular nerves, which should lower your overall pain by at least 50%. After the treatment, some people find that their pain goes away almost completely. [17] X Research source
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Figure out a pain management plan with your doctor. If other treatments don’t work, your primary doctor can help you outline a long-term plan, so you’ll have the pain medication that you need. [18] X Research source
- A pain management plan is typically used as a last resort, if treatments like microsurgical denervation don’t work.
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References
- ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abl3307
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003160.htm
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003160.htm
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/16292-testicular-pain
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15382-testicular-torsion
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9126-testicular-disorders
- ↑ Robert Dhir, MD. Board Certified Urologist & Urological Surgeon. Expert Interview. 23 September 2020.
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/16292-testicular-pain#when-to-call-the-doctor
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/16292-testicular-pain#when-to-call-the-doctor
- ↑ Robert Dhir, MD. Board Certified Urologist & Urological Surgeon. Expert Interview. 23 September 2020.
- ↑ https://myhealth.ucsd.edu/RelatedItems/3,90446
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003160.htm
- ↑ https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/e/epididymitis-and-orchitis
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/16292-testicular-pain#possible-causes
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15382-testicular-torsion#management-and-treatment
- ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/testicle-injuries-and-conditions
- ↑ https://healthcare.utah.edu/menshealth/conditions/chronic-testicular-pain.php#microsurgicaldenervationofthespermaticcord
- ↑ https://healthcare.utah.edu/menshealth/conditions/chronic-testicular-pain.php#painmanagementforchronicscrotalandtesticularpain
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