The testes are an important part of the male reproductive and sex organs. However, there are times when the testicles can be painful, swollen, or deformed. Let's find out whether this pain in the testicles can be a symptom of serious disease or not.
The testes have an important role for men, because they have the main task of making and storing sperm, as well as producing a male hormone called testosterone. The testes are contained in a loose pouch called the scrotum, which hangs from the back of the penis.
In general, the size of the testes is on average the same, with one testicle tending to be larger than the other. In addition, one testicle is also usually located lower than the other testicle.
Recognizing the Cause Behind Pain in the Testicles
A healthy testicle should feel smooth without bulging or swelling. Because it is very sensitive, the slightest disturbance can cause discomfort or pain in the testicles. The pain can usually start from within the testicle itself or from the tissue behind the testicle known as the epididymis.
The causes of testicular pain can vary and come from various sources, including:
- Epididymal cyst or spermatocele, which is a bulge due to accumulation of fluid in the epididymal tract.
- Epididymitis, which is inflammation of the epididymis which can cause swelling in the scrotum. This condition causes the entire scrotum to turn red.
- Diabetic neuropathy, where pain in the testicles is caused by nerve damage due to diabetes.
- Hydrocele, which is a buildup of fluid that causes swelling of the scrotum.
- Varicocele, which is swelling due to enlarged vessels in the scrotum.
- Inguinal hernia, which is the protrusion of soft tissue, such as the intestine, through an opening in the lower abdominal wall toward the scrotum, causing the scrotum to become enlarged.
- Kidney stones.
- Testicular cancer.
- The testicles are pulled into the area between the abdomen and the thigh.
- Inflammation of the testicles or orchitis.
- Twisted testicle, felt as pain that comes suddenly in the testicle.
- Injury to the testicles.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI).
- Undescended testicles (cryptorchismus).
- Vasectomy or male sterilization.
- Tumors in the testicles, which are generally caused by conditions that are not cancerous and most do not require special treatment.
- Testicular cancer.
Generally, less severe testicular pain can be managed temporarily with over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or paracetamol. However, if the pain does not subside for days, the pain continues to recur, or there is swelling in the testicles and the surrounding area, you should immediately consult a doctor. Don't ignore sudden, severe pain in the testicles, as well as testicular pain with fever, nausea, or blood in the urine.
Protect Testicles
To protect the testicles from injury, wear a scrotal guard when you are playing sports or doing other high-risk activities for injury. In addition, you can regularly examine your testicles yourself, by standing in front of a mirror and noticing any changes in their shape.
Here's how to check your testicles that you can do yourself:
- Hold and lift your penis, then check for any unusual lumps on the skin of the scrotum.
- Feel both testicles with fingertips. See and feel if there is a difference in size, shape, there is a lump or not.
- Also examine the top and back of each testicle for the epididymis.
Check with your doctor if you find abnormalities, such as lumps in the testicles. If deemed necessary, the doctor will recommend you to do a blood test, biopsy, or ultrasound.
Some cases of testicular swelling can improve simply by taking pain relievers. But in certain cases, surgery is needed to remove the fluid or to remove the lump. Meanwhile, in emergency conditions, such as a twisted testicle, will require immediate surgery to restore blood flow to the testicle, to avoid tissue death.