Testicular aches and pains are not usually cause for alarm. However, in the case of mumps or testicular torsion, contact your health care provider immediately.

Sudden onset of severe testicular pain is an emergency.

If a young man complains of abdominal pain, the scrotum should always be carefully examined because abdominal pain often precedes testicular pain in testicular torsion.

Note: Although testicular cancer is usually painless, any testicle lump should be evaluated by the health care provider, whether or not there is pain.

• Injury or trauma
• Varicocele (dilated vein within the sac)
• Hernia into the scrotum
• Epididymitis (inflammation of the ducts through which sperm leaves the testicle)
• Testicular torsion (twisting of the cord that suspends the testicle, which cuts off the blood supply to the testicle)

Unrelieved penile erections can cause mild testicular discomfort.

For sudden, severe testicular pain, see your health care provider immediately. Testicular torsion is an emergency, and if it is left untreated for more than a few hours, the gland may become gangrenous and have to be surgically removed. An early diagnosis and surgical treatment may prevent loss of the testis.

Home care measures may reduce discomfort. Provide support to the scrotum. An athletic supporter may be helpful to relieve and prevent pain during daily activities. When in bed, it may help to place a rolled towel between the legs and under the scrotum.

• The pain is severe or persists for a prolonged period of time or is accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
• There is a lump in the testicles.
• A young man or boy develops sudden abdominal or testicular pain. This could be testicular torsion, which should be treated immediately.

• Time pattern
  • How long has the pain been present?
  • Did it occur suddenly or gradually?
  • Is the pain constant or occasional?
• Quality
  • How severe is the pain?
  • Is the pain increasing?
• Location
  • Exactly where does it hurt?
  • Is the pain in one testicle or both?
  • Does the pain extend into the abdomen or back?
• Aggravating factors
  • Have there been any recent injuries?
  • Have there been any recent infections?
  • What makes the pain worse?
• Relieving factors: Does anything help relieve the pain?
• Other
  • What other symptoms are also present?
  • Is there swelling?
  • Is there redness?
  • Are there urine color changes?
  • Is there a fever?
  • Has there been unintentional weight loss?

Physical examination will include an examination of the groin and testicles. Treatment may include the following:

• If testicular torsion is the cause of the pain, a simple surgical procedure will fix the problem.
• Antibiotics may be prescribed for infections.
• Pain medications may be recommended to relieve discomfort.