why is my left testicle hurting? why is my left testicle hurting?

(Informed by current CDC guidelines.). You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Male genitourinary tract. Could it be cancer? This type of orchitis is often due to a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. 2011; doi:10.1542/peds.2010-3852. [ii] Why is this? Pain. But it can be a sign of more serious conditions like penile trauma or decreased blood flow to the penis. But plenty of conditions can trigger symptoms. information submitted for this request. Scrotal mass (adult). In infants, an inguinal hernia usually occurs because the passageway from the abdomen to the scrotum has failed to close during development. The next day my ball sack was full of liquid. Hydrocele. A lump caused by testicular cancer can produce the . American Cancer Society. Self-examination and regular doctor exams of the scrotum are important for prompt recognition, diagnosis and treatment of scrotal masses. However, if it grows large enough, it may interfere with regular movement. Epididymitis is an inflammation of one or both of the tubes of the epididymis, a coiled tube which stores sperm inside each testicle. It is caused by a bacterial infection, most often from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. It can be an emergency, because it may mean that something is blocking blood flow to your testicles. Accessed Sept. 24, 2019. The weakness may be inherited or may be from previous surgery, injury, or pregnancy. Why Does My Left Testicle Hurt? Free, private and secure to get you the best way to well. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your health care provider. Click here for an email preview. privacy practices. +Related Content. Instead of having a spermatic cord that holds the testicles firmly in place, someone born with bell clapper deformity has a cord that allows the testicles to move more freely. Bacterial infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), of scrotal contents can cause inflammation with pain and swelling. Traumatic injury, such as a direct blow to the testicles, is the most likely cause. Testicular torsion can occur in males of any age, although it is more common in adolescents. When a vein in a testicle becomes enlarged, its called a varicocele. A hydrocele is more common in infants and tends to resolve itself within a year or so after birth. This allows for free movement of the testes with the scrotum. Products & Services A smaller varicocele may be too small to see but noticeable by touch. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Testicular pain may be due to posture or physical activities. Testicular pain can develop for many reasons, ranging from minor to serious. It might be caused by a direct injury, or it may appear out, You have a pain youve never experienced before. Evaluation of scrotal masses. Dr. These can even boost the healing process. Most common testicular swelling cause types The most common causes of testicle swelling includes the following. All rights reserved. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. AskMayoExpert. Its been almost 4 months since I had surgery for testicular torsion and I still have pain occasionally on both my testicles. When fluid or blood fills this sheath, the condition is called a hydrocele. Diagnosis and treatment of early stage testicular cancer: AUA guideline. It has you worried. Women may have a pelvic examination and men may have a digital rectal examination. AskMayoExpert. A bag of frozen peas is an acceptable alternative if cold pack or ice are not available. [i] Typically, the dilated veins are in the spermatic cord within the scrotal sac. This creates a bulge, or hernia, that can be seen and felt in the groin. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Top Symptoms: spontaneous testicle pain, fever, tender testicular swelling, muscle aches, new headache. You have no idea why your left testicle hurts. Torsion refers to an abnormal twisting of the spermatic cord, which runs from each testicle up into the abdomen and carries blood vessels, nerves, and sperm-transporting ducts. AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases. The skin may turn reddish, and the scrotum may feel firmer or more tender than usual. Its size is about half inch. Sexual activity is limited for 1 2 weeks for embolization patients, whereas surgical patients are advised to wait up to 4 weeks post procedure. What Are the Most Common Causes for Male Infertility? Scrotal masses could be cancerous or caused by another condition that affects testicular function and health. If you are suffering with mild intermittent pain in your scrotum and/or groin, you may give these home remedies a try before seeking professional advice: Why Does My Left Testicle Hurt? Approximately 95 percent of all varicoceles occur on the left side. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2014. http://www.clinicalkey.com. If left testicle pain is moderate to severe, it is best to see a doctor. A hernia can lead to left testicle pain. swelling of your scrotum. If the condition isnt treated within six hours, a man could lose the affected testicle. If you're experiencing pain in one testicle, it's also likely to experience: It's possible for any male to be affected by pain in one testicle, especially those having unprotected anal or vaginal sex, men who are sexually active in general, teenage boys or young men, as well as male infants less than one year of age. It can also be the result of serious conditions like testicular torsion or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Testicular cancer is associated with left testicle pain, swelling, and lumps. The spermatic cord is a tube that helps support the testicles in the scrotum. There is also testicular prosthesis available that can be placed at a later date. The source of the testicular pain may be obvious if you have had a recent injury or an accident, but in other cases it may not be clear why you have pain. [i] http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicocele/basics/definition/con-20024164 Epididymitis is usually treated with antibiotics and measures to relieve discomfort. The other told me they could fix it with a simple surgery. Epsom salts can be found in grocery or drug stores. An inguinal hernia might appear as a mass in the scrotum or higher in the groin. Sometimes, a testicle also becomes inflamed a condition called epididymo-orchitis. However, any mass that affects the health or function of the testicle can lead to: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. [iv] The reason it occurs more often on the left, causing left testicle pain, is related to the position of the left testicular vein. Experiencing an injury to or inflammation in just one testicle is not necessarily unusual, but you should get treatment promptly. I have an issue with my right side testicle. You may feel a little awkward talking about it. If testicle pain comes on suddenly and severely, or develops along with other symptoms, such as fever or blood in your urine, then see a doctor immediately. Take the patient to the emergency room or call 9-1-1. All rights reserved. This creates a bulge, or hernia, that can be seen and felt in the groin. Testicle pain accompanied by nausea, fever, chills or blood in your urine, Mild testicle pain lasting longer than a few days, A lump or swelling in or around a testicle. There is no cure specifically for painful bladder syndrome, so treatment involves addressing the symptoms and making lifestyle changes. You may wonder if its something serious. Though aspirin is approved for use in children older than age 3, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. You have arteries throughout your body that deliver oxygen-rich blood from the heart to bones, tissue, and organs. This list does not constitute medical advice and may not accurately represent what you have. Last medically reviewed on November 26, 2018, A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum. A hernia will not heal on its own. Symptoms include a sharp pain in the groin and abdomen area. Adam A, et al., eds. Penile melanosis is characterized by small patches of dark skin on the penis. Some examples of serious conditions are testicular cancer or infection. Being struck in the testicles is very common, and despite the intense pain that follows, rarely requires professional medical care. The cause is unknown. Accessed Feb. 26, 2017. The most common causes of pain in one testicle include the following. Many conditions can have testicular swelling as a symptom. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health While surgery is an option for those with bilateral varicoceles, one drawback for many men is the post-surgical pain that can be ongoing for several days or even weeks.i Surgeries will have a longer recovery time than a minimally invasive treatment option like varicocele embolization surgery can take up to 2 weeks to fully recover, versus a 1 2 day period for embolization. A virus, such as the mumps, usually just needs time to resolve itself. It's usually the result of an infection. Testicular torsion is somewhat unusual, affecting about 1 in 4,000 young men. Learn what to expect from penile implant surgery. A small amount of fluid in this space is normal, but the excess fluid of a hydrocele usually results in a painless swelling of the scrotum. Less commonly, epididymitis is caused by a viral infection or an abnormal flow of urine into the epididymis. Accessed Feb. 26, 2017. Inguinal hernias occur when part of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity (omentum) or intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdomen often along the inguinal canal, which carries the spermatic cord in men. 2018; doi:10.1542/peds.2018-2367. Evaluation of acute scrotal pain in adults. Interprofessional Advanced Clinical Simulation Fellow. Briefs are better than boxers and can help reduce the pain and swelling that come with some testicular problems. A number of disorders can result in a scrotal mass or an abnormality in the scrotum, including: Testicular cancer. Sudden, severe testicle pain can be a sign of testicular torsion a twisted testicle that can quickly lose its blood supply. The doctor might require additional tests to find the cause of the pain. The left testicular vein is positioned at an angle that may make it difficult for blood to travel. There are home remedies to try to relieve bruising, swelling, and left testicle pain. The Surgical Clinics of North America. privacy practices. Sincepain in the left side of the chest or a heaviness in the left arm is often linked with a heart attack, you might think that the pain in your left testiclecan be attributed toa similar specific problem. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen may help relieve minor discomfort and wearing an athletic supporter such as a jockstrap, or cup may help too. Infection along the urethra can sometimes track backwards into the branch of the urethra that leads to the testicles. Two conditions Epididymitis and Orchitis can happen at the same time during a bacterial infection. Abdominal pain is usually a sign of a common illness or infection. Varicocele. Epididymitis is treated with antibiotics. [ii] However, if varicocele develops suddenly in older men, or if there is a mass, in very rare instances, this may indicate that there is a retroperitoneal tumor blocking the spermatic vein. Chronic prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland, located between the bladder and penis, which produces fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. Accessed Feb. 26, 2017. The presence of kidney stones may also cause testicular pain. It is a serious condition that needs to be addressed by an experienced medical professional only. An embolization procedure takes around 1 hour, but surgery takes around 4 hours. Learn about our technology. Surgery went fast as I chose to stay awake. Generally speaking, more dangerous forms of testicular damage are one-sided and cause pain on a single side of the testicles. What Causes Varicoceles and Can I Prevent Them? A hernia is caused by a weak spot in the abdominal wall muscles, which can separate under heavy lifting or repeated straining. There is a problem with If you are experiencing any of these symptoms along with your testicle pain, it's important to seek medical attention immediately as complications can be serious. Doctors diagnose testicular cancer through ultrasound imaging and blood and urine tests. Another potentially very serious cause of pain is a condition called testicular torsion, where a testicle becomes twisted on itself and begins to lose its blood flow this typically results in sudden severe pain,often accompanied by nausea, fever, chills and possibly blood in urine (pee). If you are diagnosed with testicular torsion and the testicle is not salvageable, it will not affect your future fertility. Direct injury can happen in different scenarios. Do I have testicular cancer? Surgery is usually necessary to save the testicle or to remove it to prevent gangrene. Treatment for testicular cancer depends on the type of testicular cancer and how much the tumor has grown or the cancer has spread. Abdominal Pain: Causes & When to Be Concerned. Testicular pain of any kind on one or both sides can be distressing. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Testicular cancer is a tumor containing abnormal testicular tissue, which can usually be felt as a nontender lump in the scrotum. Don't ignore it or wait too long, because some causes can lead to serious complications. Accessed Feb. 26, 2017. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Your left testicle in particular is more vulnerable to a number of conditions, such as varicoceles, caused by vein problems, and testicular torsion, which is a twisting of the testicle inside the scrotum. Click here for an email preview. Epididymitis is often caused by a bacterial infection, including sexually transmitted bacterial infections, such as chlamydia. There are surgical procedures that could be performed too. You will need surgery to repair the testicle. All rights reserved. Less serious causes of testicle pain include: an infection ( epididymitis) an injury an inguinal hernia a build-up of fluid (cyst) swollen veins in the testicles (varicocele) Pain by itself is not usually a sign of testicular cancer. You will need surgery to remove your testicle, and depending on the extent of the disease, you may also need chemotherapy or radiation. Outlook. Since then, Irene has written various articles about health and fitness featured on different magazines. In some cases, the pain may start in other parts of the body like the kidney or bowel. Inflammation of one testicle is also called unilateral (one-sided) testicular pain or unilateral orchitis. It is best to seek medical attention right away when one of these signs is present. Scrotal pain. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Orchitis is inflammation of the testicles, usually triggered by a virus or bacterial infection. Other possible reasons for pain may include: inflammation, swelling (the build-up of fluid), a urinary tract infection, a hernia, or a varicocele (which is where the veins of the testicles arent able to drain blood effectively, leading to large veins within the scrotum or ball sack). Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Seek medical attention right away for the following: These signs could be a more serious issue. The most important thing is to rule out an emergency such as testicular torsion, which would require urgent surgery. 7 Possible Causes Jan 16, 2017 Since pain in the left side of the chest or a heaviness in the left arm is often linked with a heart attack, you might think that the pain in your left testicle can be attributed to a similar specific problem. But weeks later it was still the same and even worse it was decreasing in size. The testicle feels hard instead of soft and pliable. Scrotal masses are abnormalities in the bag of skin hanging behind the penis (scrotum). Symptoms that get worse after certain activities, such as bike riding or being on your feet for hours. We will not share your information with third parties unless you give your consent or unless permitted by applicable law. Some causes of testicle pain are unknown. (2018). Testicular pain from things like fluid buildup can be treated with less urgent surgery. Testicular torsion must be treated surgically, though an emergency room doctor may be able to temporarily untwist the cord by hand. COVID-19: Check your symptoms and find the right care. Small lump above the affected testicle. Being in proximityto the groin and abdomen, pain in the testicles often migrates to the groin and lower abdomen and vice versa. She believes that people can seek help from a trainer or trained profession to reach fitness and health goals. You may notice a lump, but you may also have swelling with no lump. There are many reasons that a testicle may start to hurt, including from a torsion or inflammation. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Entrapment or irritation of one of these nerves can result in pain or numbness in this area. Scrotal masses might be an accumulation of fluids, the growth of abnormal tissue, or normal contents of the scrotum that have become swollen, inflamed or hardened. Causes The cause of spermatoceles is unknown. Likewise, if you feel a lump or other change in your testicles, see a urologist or at least make an appointment soon with your primary care doctor. Should I be worried whenever I have testicular pain after ejaculation? What is going on? The epididymis is the tube inside the testicle that stores sperm. Some men experience pain and swelling, but most tumors don't cause symptoms. The content available on buoy.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Eyre RC. Scrotal pain (child). Marx JA, et al., eds. Testicular torsion. Try our AI assistant here. This can lead to twisting of the testicle about the blood vessels to which it is connected, cutting off blood flow and leading to severe pain and the eventual death of the testicl.. If it grows, that testicle may hurt and feel heavy. Urinary tract infections are usually the cause for children. This is a. This could be a symptom of testicular torsion, which is a condition where the spermatic cord that holds the testicle in place twists, cutting off blood flow to the testicle. A lump or swelling in the scrotum can indicate a cancerous tumor. That's because the entire region is packed with nerves. (2018). Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2017. http://www.clinicalkey.com. If your son has a retractile testicle, the testicle originally descended as it should, but doesn't remain . 1 Orchialgia can be caused by trauma, infection, and other more serious problems like testicular torsion that require immediate emergency care. Most often, varicocele treatment immediately ends pain in the testicles. Abdominal pain. 6 Best At-Home Testosterone Test Kits in 2023, Teva Sildenafil: Generic Viagra, Pros and Cons, and Side Effects, Hydrocele: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. Accessed Sept. 24, 2019. An urgent medical help is needed if the left testicle pain is resulting from the severe damage. Pediatrics. See your doctor if you detect a lump in your scrotum, even if it's not painful or tender, or if you experience other symptoms of a scrotal mass. The healing of groin strain could take up to 7 weeks, and activities or work that are the reason for the injury or soreness should be avoided. Pain might arise from within the testicle itself or from the coiled tube and supporting tissue behind the testicle (epididymis). Spermatoceles might result from a blockage in one of the multiple tubes within the epididymis that transport and store sperm from the testicle. A doctors visit is needed for an evaluation and diagnosis. Support the scrotum with an athletic supporter. Jason Chandrapal. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Sometimes, what seems to be testicle pain is caused by a problem that starts in the groin, abdomen or somewhere else for example, kidney stones and some hernias can cause testicle pain. The lumps are hard but do not produce pain. Testicles form in the abdomen during fetal development. A larger one can be repaired with surgery. Cosmetic Beauty Or One That Comes From Deep-Within: What Would You Choose? You may also have testicular swelling, lower abdomen pain, and burning when urinating. Top Symptoms: nausea, testicle pain that comes and goes, vomiting, pain in one testicle, testicular swelling, Symptoms that always occur with intermittent testicular torsion: testicle pain that comes and goes. Ignoring the pain may . Direct injury can happen in different scenarios. A doctor may perform an ultrasound test to make sure that the blood flow to your testicles is not blocked and to see if there is any fluid buildup in the area. Male infertility (inability to conceive after one year of trying). Chronic prostatitis is distinguished from acute prostatitis in that chronic prostatitis has caused symptoms for at least three.. COVID-19: Check your symptoms and find the right care. In-depth Definition Causes When to see a doctor Products and services When to see a doctor By Mayo Clinic Staff Sudden, severe testicle pain can be a sign of testicular torsion a twisted testicle that can quickly lose its blood supply. Urinary tract infections are usually caused by infections by fecal bacteria. Avoid strenuous activity. Testicle pain may be caused by a long bike ride or trauma, or the pain may come from the epididymitis or scrotum. A spermatocele is a cyst or fluid-filled sac that forms in the tube that carries sperm from the upper part of a testicle. Less common causes of pain in one testicle includes the following. You may notice a change in the affected testicle during a self-exam. I had no one to advise me and the fact that I was not feeling anymore pain in my groin meant I could go back to soccer, which I did with no pain; however my right testicle kept on decreasing in size. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. At first, there may be no pain. Try our AI assistant here. He advised me to avoid doing another surgery so I at least I could save the other one. It's sometimes painful and down the side of the testicle something is growing. It is still wise to check the situation to determine the cause. Causes of testicle pain or pain in the testicle area can include: Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. The salt to warm water ratio is 1 cup of salt to 1 gallon of hot water. The clinical findings in young adults with acute scrotal pain. Limit activities that cause repetitive stress, such as bicycling and weight lifting, Practice regular testicular self-examinations to detect tumors early, Self-education about urinary tract infections and kidney stones, Make sure urinary tract infections get proper treatment, There are visible changes to the testicles, such as swelling or lumps, Pain spreads to other regions of the body, such as the abdomen, lower back, or chest. This suddenly cuts off blood supply manifesting as severe, sharp pain. Apply a cold pack or ice on the injured going region for 20 minutes three times a day. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Over-the-counter pain medications may help ease your symptoms. The stories shared below are not written by Buoy employees. [ii], It is entirely possible to have varicocele on both sides, although it isnt as common as having it on the left. Or it may come from the scrotum, the sack that holds the testicles. Although the symptoms go away in intermittent cases, torsion nearly always returns and may continue to come and go. Fluid from the seminal vesicles and prostate gland combine with sperm to make semen. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine (2). The American Journal of Emergency Medicine. abdominal pain. This is a very serious condition that would require an immediate trip to the emergency room for treatment right away. Cancer usually causes other symptoms like a lump or swelling in your testicle. Crawford P, et al. I am 30 year old. They may also become infected and very painful. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicocele/symptoms-causes/syc-20378771, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371580, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hydrocele/symptoms-causes/syc-20363969, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/inguinal-hernia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351547, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spermatocele/symptoms-causes/syc-20377829, mayoclinic.org/symptoms/testicle-pain/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050942?p=1, niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/perineal-injury-males, auanet.org/guidelines/testicular-cancer-guideline, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15382-testicular-torsion, urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/varicoceles. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Testicular rupture happens when the outer layer of the testicle is damaged, exposing the inside of the testicle. This is often caused by sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia. This content does not have an English version. Treatment options for orchitis depend on its underlying cause. If the pain is dull or mild, you can schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or be seen at an urgent care center. There can be many possible reasons for pain involving one or both testicles. It can lead to fertility issues if it is not addressed. I hope it will help someone out there. Mayo Clinic Staff. Following ejaculation, you may suffer from a muscle spasm of the muscles of your perineal region. The stones travel from the bladder and through the penis. Risk factors There aren't many known risk factors for developing a spermatocele. 2016; doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2016.02.014. Following are the common reasons why you experience pain in the left testicle: 1. Fever and antipyretic use in children. Spermatocele: A fluid-filled cyst may develop in the epididymis called a spermatocele. Surgery may be needed to remove the hydrocele. Yes, a urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause testicle pain. But as they swell, they may become more uncomfortable. Its possible you have a condition known as varicocele. Sometimes both testicles become swollen. Pain or discomfort may be experienced in one or both sides depending on which side is affected. Only your doctor can determine what may be causing your testicular pain, and if the diagnosis is varicocele, rest assured that it is a very treatable condition that in most cases doesnt require surgery. Chandrapal. (Informed by current CDC guidelines.). Either might increase the risk of: Abnormalities of the testicles, penis or kidneys present at birth (congenital) might increase the risk of a scrotal mass and testicular cancer later in life. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Eventually, testicular torsion can result in loss of circulation followed by tissue death and loss of the testicle. This disrupts the blood-testis barrier, a barrier between blood vessels and the tiny, coiled tubes in testicles where sperm is produced. Abdominal pain is usually a sign of a common illness or infection. Dr. Symptoms vary and may include pressure and discomfort in the lower abdomen; pain during sexual intercourse; bladder pain; and a frequent urge to urinate. What causes one testicle to be bigger? Bilateral varicoceles can be slightly more difficult to treat. If the herniated organ becomes stuck or the blood supply decreases or stops, you can have serious complications. Rottenstreich M, et al. Many conditions can have pain in one testicle as a symptom. Swollen testicles (also known as scrotal swelling) can be a sign of a variety of things, including injury, infection or a testicular tumor. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea, or a urinary tract infection may also lead to orchitis. This makes it a little more difficult for the valves in that vein to keep pushing blood up into the body. However, it is important to seek medical attention for persistent or severe pain or if other concerning symptoms occur. As it was reducing I remember my right testicle being stuck (glued) to my ball sack and it was hard as a rock. The epidymis is the organ that connects the testes with other vessels and, among other functions, is where sperm are stored. We avoid using tertiary references.