SEXUAL HEALTH CONCERN

Testicular Issues

Also called: missing testicle, undescended testicle, lost testicle, testicular prosthesis, swollen testicle, lump in testicle, varicocele, hydrocele, one ball bigger, lump in my balls

Testicular issues can include pain, swelling, lumps, changes in size or shape and feelings of heaviness or discomfort.

TYPICALLY OCCURS

Injury, infection, fluid build-up, enlarged veins and testicular conditions

TREATED BY

Testicular surgery, medication and underlying-cause treatment

ALSO LINKED TO

–

Why it happens?

Testicular symptoms can originate from the testicle itself or from surrounding structures within the scrotum. Infection and inflammation are common causes of pain and swelling. Epididymitis affects the coiled tube behind the testicle and may be associated with urinary infections or sexually transmitted infections, while orchitis involves inflammation of the testicle. Physical injury can also produce pain, bruising or swelling. Sometimes discomfort felt in the testicle originates elsewhere, such as from the groin, urinary tract or abdomen, rather than from a problem within the testicle itself.

Several non-cancerous conditions can cause a lump, enlargement or change in the way the scrotum feels. A hydrocele is a collection of fluid around a testicle, while a varicocele develops when veins within the scrotum become enlarged and may cause a dragging sensation or dull ache. Epididymal cysts can create smooth lumps separate from the testicle. An inguinal hernia can also extend into the scrotum and produce swelling. Although these conditions are often benign, it can be difficult to determine the cause of a lump or swelling without an examination and, when appropriate, an ultrasound.

Some testicular conditions require particularly prompt assessment. Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord twists and reduces or cuts off the blood supply to the testicle, typically causing sudden severe pain and swelling. This is a medical emergency because rapid treatment provides the best chance of preserving the testicle. Testicular cancer, meanwhile, often presents as a painless lump, swelling, enlargement, increased firmness or change in the shape or feel of a testicle rather than severe pain. Most testicular lumps are not cancer, but any new lump or persistent change should be medically examined rather than diagnosed based on symptoms alone.

How far along is it?

Early

There may be occasional discomfort, mild tenderness or a subtle change in the way a testicle or the surrounding scrotum feels. Symptoms may be temporary, but unexplained physical changes should still be monitored carefully.

Moderate

Pain, swelling, heaviness or changes in testicular size or shape become persistent or recurring. A lump, enlarged vein or fluid-filled swelling may become noticeable and professional assessment is advisable.

Advanced

Pain or swelling becomes severe, a significant change in the testicle develops or symptoms interfere with everyday activity. Sudden severe symptoms may indicate an emergency such as testicular torsion and require immediate medical attention.

What addresses it?

Treatments that address this

Testicular prosthesis→Varicocele surgery→Hydrocele treatment→

Any new lump within a testicle, persistent swelling, enlargement, increased firmness or unexplained change in testicular size or shape should be medically assessed, even when it is painless. Persistent aching, heaviness or discomfort is also worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

Pain accompanied by urinary symptoms, discharge, fever or increasing swelling may indicate infection or inflammation and should be assessed. Changes affecting fertility or a persistent feeling of heaviness in the scrotum can also warrant investigation.

Seek emergency medical attention for sudden, severe testicular pain, particularly when accompanied by swelling, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain. Testicular torsion can develop rapidly and requires urgent treatment; it should not be delayed to see whether the pain improves on its own.

Quick Questions:

What are the most common causes of testicular pain?

Possible causes include injury, epididymitis, orchitis, varicocele, hernia and other scrotal conditions. Sudden severe testicular pain can be caused by testicular torsion and requires emergency assessment.

Does a testicular lump always mean cancer?

No. Many scrotal lumps are caused by benign conditions such as cysts, hydroceles or varicoceles. However, a new lump arising from the testicle itself should always be professionally assessed to exclude testicular cancer.

Why might one testicle be larger or lower than the other?

Some difference in testicular position and size is normal, and one testicle commonly hangs slightly lower. A new or increasing difference in size, firmness or shape should be checked.

Can testicular problems affect fertility?

Some conditions can affect sperm production or testicular function, including significant varicoceles, infections, testicular injury, torsion and certain hormonal or genetic conditions. The effect depends on the underlying problem and its severity.