Testicular pain is uncomfortable and often unsettling. It can have harmless causes such as irritation or inflammation, but it can also be more urgent. It is important how suddenly and how severely the pain occurs and whether swelling is also present. A medical assessment provides clarity; in the case of sudden, severe pain, every hour counts.
Possible causes
Inflammation of testicle or epididymis
An infection causes increasing pain, often with swelling, redness, and warmth, sometimes with fever.
Irritation or minor injury
A blow or strain can trigger temporary pain that usually resolves on its own.
Varicocele
Dilated veins in the scrotum can cause a dragging sensation of heaviness that increases over the course of the day.
Referred pain
A kidney stone or discomfort in the groin can also manifest as pain in the testicle.
Typical steps at the doctor's office
- 1During the consultation and examination, the onset, severity, and accompanying symptoms are assessed, and the testicle is carefully palpated.
- 2A urine test helps to identify inflammation of the urinary tract or epididymis.
- 3An ultrasound examination evaluates the testicle, epididymis, and blood flow and further narrows down the cause.
What you can do yourself
- For mild, gradually developing discomfort, elevating and supporting the scrotum can provide relief.
- Cooling can ease discomfort in case of irritation following a blow.
- Monitor whether swelling, redness, or fever develop, and keep track of the progression.
- If you experience a sudden, very severe pain, do not hesitate: go to the emergency department immediately — do not wait for the next practice appointment.
Sudden, severe testicular pain — especially in children, adolescents, and young men — is an emergency: go to the emergency department immediately or call 144, because in the case of testicular torsion, whether the testicle can be preserved is decided within a few hours. Persistent, increasing, or recurring testicular pain should be medically evaluated, as should swelling. The general practitioner's office or urology is responsible for this.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I be worried about testicular pain?
- Often there is a harmless cause, but the symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor. Sudden, very severe pain requires rapid action.
- What is a varicocele?
- This occurs when the veins in the scrotum are dilated, similar to varicose veins in the leg. They cause a dragging sensation of heaviness and should be evaluated by a urologist.
- Can I help relieve the symptoms myself?
- For mild discomfort, elevation and cooling can help. However, these do not replace medical evaluation if the pain persists or increases.
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