We review the 5 reasons why you have testicular pain, some of them can mean something serious.
Even if you’re lucky enough to never get kicked between the legs, there are other reasons why you may feel some pain there.
“The reason testicles hurt is so common that all men at some point in their lives are likely to have experience with pain,” says Jamin Brahmbhatt, co-director of the PUR Clinic, which specializes in urology and men’s health.
When your testicles hurt, you can immediately think about testicular cancer. But in fact, “Most cases of testicular cancer are painless, and most are detected through a lump,” says Dr. Brahmbhatt, and if you’re dreading STIs, you’re more likely to have burning at urination, although testicular pain may be present to some degree .
So what is going on when your testicles hurt? These are some of the reasons why you could be going through when you have testicular pain and here we tell you when you should go check up when your testicles hurt.
1. TESTICULAR PAIN FROM TORSION
This particular condition occurs when your testicles twist. “Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord that joins the testicle to the body twists and cuts off blood flow to the testicle,” says Michael P. Zahalsky, specialist in Urology and founder of Z Urology in Coral Springs, Florida, who previously discussed with MensHealth.com. He compared it to picking an apple: “To pick the apple, you need to twist the stem until the apple comes off. This can happen with testicular torsion; it rotates until the testicle dies. ”
Testicular torsion can occur in several ways, including when you exercise, have sex, or even sleep. In addition to pain and swelling, symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and a testicle in an unusual position, according to the Mayo Clinic.
In any case, you should visit the doctor immediately if you suspect it is happening to you. In some cases, doctors can manually unscrew the testicles; In other cases, you may need surgery.
2. TESTICULAR PAIN FOR STONES IN THE KIDNEY, CONSTIPATION, HERNIAS OR STOMACH PROBLEMS
The nerves that go to the lower body (including the testicles) come from many places in your abdomen, such as the stomach, kidneys, and digestive tract. If you are constipated and unable to poop, the pressure of the unexcreted waste may be pressing on those nerves.
The same happens if you have a kidney stone in formation or already developed through your system or if you have an upset stomach. If you have a hernia or had hernia surgery, your nerves could become inflamed and cause a reaction further south.
“All of this is under the designation of ‘referred pain,’ which means it’s not about your testicles at all, but that’s where the pain is ending,” says Dr. Brahmbhatt.
3. TESTICULAR PAIN FROM VASECTOMY
Experiencing scrotal pain after a vasectomy – a surgical birth control procedure in which the tube that carries your sperm from the testicles to your urethra is sealed – is very rare, but it can occur. In fact, according to what they explain in the American Urological Association, chronic scrotal pain occurs in only 1 to 2 percent of men who have the procedure.
Experts aren’t sure what causes it, but it may have to do with damage to nerve structures, say researchers at Rush University Medical Center.
“I don’t want to scare anyone into not having a vasectomy,” says Dr. Brahmbhatt. “But be aware that it can happen. But it can also be corrected if you decide to have surgery ”. But that could mean another surgical procedure.
4. TESTICULAR PAIN FROM HIDROCELE
When you look at the anatomy of the testicles, it’s basically balls hanging from a pair of strings. To complete those cords there are blood vessels, nerves, and tissue that allow them to hang down.
“Everyone has some degree of fluid around the testicle and cords,” says Dr. Brahmbhatt, but sometimes the fluid balance gets out of control. When there is too much fluid in the testicular sac, you can end up with a hydrocele. “The hydrocele itself is not usually painful, but men may feel pain from having a heavy and swollen scrotum,” according to the Mayo Clinic.
You have to see a doctor every time you notice a swelling in your testicles. If it turns out to be a hydrocele, it could go away on its own within six months. In some cases, it may require surgery.
5. TESTICULAR PAIN FROM VARICOCELE
A varicocele is an enlarged vein in your scrotum; Think of varicocele as vascular worms in your testicles. It is not likely to cause as much pain as discomfort. “There is a feeling of heaviness and a certain appearance, similar to a bag of worms,” says Dr. Brahmbhatt.
The symptoms depend on the varicocele stage you have. Grade 3 varicoceles are bigger and more noticeable, and will feel thick and lumpy. Grades 2 are less severe, although they may still feel a little healthy. Sometimes you won’t even notice if you have a grade 1 varicocele.
“If you have a more severe varicocele, the build-up of pressure in your veins can cause persistent scrotal discomfort,” said Paul Turek, a California-based urologist formerly at MensHealth.com.
For severe cases, you may need surgery, where your doctor will divert blood flow from the damaged vein to the working vein.
WHEN DO YOU HAVE TO SEE A DOCTOR FOR TESTICULAR PAIN?
For all these questions, the answer to “When should I see a doctor?” It has to do with time and gravity. Dr. Brahmbhatt notes that: “Pain that fades quickly, for example, if your testicles twist but straighten quickly, is not a cause for concern. But if you experience a high degree of pain rather than dull pain, and it lasts for more than 15 minutes, recommend a trip to the emergency room. ”
“If you wait too long, you could lose your testicle,” he says, which would negatively affect your fertility. Additionally, Dr. Brahmbhatt notes that pain could be a great warning sign of problems in other parts of the body, such as kidney stones, bladder problems, or appendicitis.
Even if you are in pain rather than throbbing pain or are noticing a buildup of fluid, you have to check it out.
Dr. Brahmbhatt also suggests doing a monthly self scan to detect any changes in the health of your testicles. Basically, it knows your testicles.