Abnormalities in the scrotum and testicles are usually characterized by swelling around these areas. This swelling is sometimes accompanied by pain and is usually caused by inflammation, fluid buildup, or an abnormal growth in the scrotum.
The scrotum is the part of the male reproductive organ that looks like a skin pouch and hangs at the base of the penis. Its function is to wrap the testes or testicles.
For some conditions, the scrotum can experience abnormalities that trigger swelling. The swelling may occur in only one scrotum or both.
Not infrequently when the scrotum is swollen, the testes also swell. This swelling of the scrotum and testicles cannot be ignored and requires immediate medical attention.
Various Abnormalities in the Scrotum and Testis
There are several abnormalities in the scrotum and testicles that you need to be aware of, including:
1. Hydrocele
Hydrocele is a condition when the scrotum or scrotum fills with fluid that surrounds the testicles. Usually, hydroceles are painless and go away on their own. However, if there is inflammation, the scrotum will be painful and uncomfortable.
Although hydrocele is more common in infants, this condition can also be experienced by adult men at any age. If you experience swelling in the scrotum or testicles, it is advisable to immediately consult a doctor, especially if it occurs suddenly and is accompanied by pain.
2. Varicocele
Varicocele is characterized by swelling of the veins in the scrotum. This condition can occur in one scrotum or both, but is more common in the left scrotum. This is because the blood flow to the left side of the scrotum is greater than the right side.
Varicoceles can occur in men aged 15-25 years. This condition should not be taken lightly, because it can lead to decreased sperm production and quality, make the testicles smaller in size, or even cause infertility.
3. Testicular torsion
Testicular torsion occurs when the sperm ducts in the scrotum are twisted, preventing blood flow to the testes.
The cause of the twisting of the sperm ducts is still not known with certainty. However, this condition is often associated with genetic factors. One of the symptoms is the sudden appearance of severe pain and swelling of the testicles.
Testicular torsion is a very dangerous condition, because it can cause tissue death in the testicle and permanent damage to the testicle. This condition is usually experienced by teenage boys aged 12-18 years. However, testicular torsion can also occur in infants or adults.
4. Epididymitis
Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis or the tube at the back of the testicle that serves to distribute and store sperm.
Epididymitis is usually caused by an infection or sexually transmitted disease (STD). This condition is sometimes accompanied by inflammation of the testicles, also known as epididymo-orchitis.
All men can get epididymitis. However, this condition is generally experienced by men aged 14-35 years. Epididymitis usually gets better soon after being given antibiotics by a doctor.
5. Testicular cancer
One of the dangerous diseases that can occur in the testes and scrotum is testicular cancer. In some men, this type of cancer sometimes causes no symptoms at all and is only detected when undergoing a medical examination to determine the cause of other diseases.
However, there are some symptoms that are often felt by some sufferers, namely swelling of the scrotum and testicles, pain or heaviness in the lower abdomen or around the scrotum, and breast enlargement.
The scrotum is very closely related to the testes, because it is this pouch that protects and supports the testes to produce normal sperm. Therefore, you need to be aware of the various abnormalities that can occur in these two organs.
If you experience complaints that point to abnormalities in the scrotum and testicles, immediately consult a doctor so that an appropriate examination and treatment can be carried out.