Testicle pain

Definition

Testicle pain is discomfort in one or both testicles. The pain can spread into the lower abdomen.

Alternative Names

Pain - testicle; Orchalgia; Epididymitis; Orchitis

Causes

The testicles are very sensitive. Even a minor injury can cause pain. In some conditions, abdominal pain may occur before testicle pain.

Common causes of testicle pain include:

Mild pain may be caused by fluid collection in the scrotum, such as:

Home Care

Non-urgent causes of testicle pain, such as minor injuries and fluid collection, can often be treated with home care. The following steps may reduce discomfort and swelling:

Take the antibiotics your provider gives you if the pain is caused by infection. Preventive measures to take:

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Sudden, severe testicle pain needs immediate medical care.

Contact your provider right away or go to an emergency room if:

Also call your provider right away if:

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider will do an exam of your groin, testicles, and abdomen. Your provider will ask you questions about the pain such as:

The following tests may be performed:

References

Matsumoto AM, Anawalt BD. Testicular disorders. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 19.

McGowan CC. Prostatitis, epididymitis, and orchitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 110.

Pontari M. Inflammatory and pain conditions of the male genitourinary tract: prostatitis and related pain conditions, orchitis, and epididymitis. In: Partin AW, Domochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 56.



Review Date: 7/1/2023
Reviewed By: Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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