Introduction
A swollen testicle is a symptom that can have very different possible causes. In most cases, the underlying disease can be treated and the symptom goes away. In some cases, however, the swelling remains.
In any case, if one or both testicles swell, a doctor should be consulted to clarify the cause. Although benign causes are more common, it can also be a malignant disease in young men, where there is a good chance of a cure only if treated in time. In addition, early clarification and treatment of testicular swelling is important, as otherwise there is a risk of loss of fertility.
Causes of testicular swelling
The swelling of one or both testicles can be caused by water retention, inflammation or benign or malignant tumors. There are many possible causes for swelling. For example, a so-called testicular torsion causes the testicle to twist around its own axis.
The testicle is then cut off from the blood supply and an extremely painful accumulation of blood and fluid in the testicle occurs. Epididymitis is also very painful and responsible for swelling due to water retention. The cause of the inflammation is often bacteria that are sexually transmitted.
However, it can also be the result of a urinary tract infection. Another cause that leads to a swollen testicle is the so-called hydrocele. This leads to water retention in the testicles.
This can have various causes (for example congenital or as a result of a healed inflammation). A hydrocele is usually harmless and causes no pain. Nevertheless, an examination should be carried out and a decision made about a possible need for treatment.
Furthermore, a direct injury of one or both testicles as after a kick or an accident can lead to swelling. The testicles have several sheaths, which can tear in such a blunt force trauma. As a result, there is bleeding and thus swelling.
In addition, in the case of a testicular swelling (especially if only one testicle is affected) it must always be remembered that a benign or malignant tumor may be the cause. The swelling is then often hard and rough and usually causes no pain. Although malignant tumors are then more common, the chances of cure for testicular cancer are very good nowadays.
Early examination by the doctor is crucial in order to initiate therapy in time if necessary. The longer you wait, the lower the chances of recovery and the more intensive the necessary measures. Swelling of the testicles can also be caused by a varicose vein in the testicles.
In this case, due to the disturbed blood return in the testicular veins, there is a blood accumulation in the testicle, which leads to an increase in the size of the testicle. Furthermore, a direct injury of one or both testicles as after a kick or an accident can lead to a swelling. The testicles have several sheaths which can tear in such a blunt force trauma.
As a result, there is bleeding and thus swelling. In addition, in the case of a testicular swelling (especially if only one testicle is affected) it must always be remembered that a benign or malignant tumor may be the cause. The swelling is then often hard and rough and usually causes no pain.
Although malignant tumors are then more common, the chances of cure for testicular cancer are very good nowadays. Early examination by the doctor is crucial in order to initiate therapy in time if necessary. The longer you wait, the lower the chances of recovery and the more intensive the necessary measures.
Swelling of the testicles can also be caused by a varicose vein in the testicles. In this case, due to the disturbed blood return in the testicular veins, there is a blood accumulation in the testicle, which leads to an increase in the size of the testicle. In most cases there is only a unilateral swollen testicle.
The most common causes of testicular swelling manifest themselves in most cases only on one testicle. Both the twisting of the testicle and the hydrocele occur almost exclusively unilaterally. Inflammation and injury as the cause of the swelling also occur at the beginning usually only on one side.
However, in the course of time the other testicle can also swell.In the case of unilateral swelling, which continues to grow and often causes no pain, testicular cancer must always be considered as a possible cause. Therefore, a timely examination by a doctor should be carried out. After inguinal hernia surgery, a swollen testicle on the surgical side is a frequent temporary complication.
The inguinal canal is in direct anatomical connection with the testicles. As a result of the operation, there is a swelling (especially due to water retention). This can then spread via the inguinal canal to the testicles.
In addition, a bluish and later yellowish discoloration of the skin of the scrotum can occur, which is caused by a bruise. As a rule, the swelling disappears completely within a few days or at the latest after two weeks. If this is not the case, if the swelling is very pronounced or if it continues to increase, a doctor should be consulted.
In a vasectomy, the vas deferens are cut to cause inability to conceive in the man. This surgical procedure can also damage the so-called lymphatic ducts, which remove the tissue fluid. As a result, there may be a temporary or permanent swelling of one or both testicles.
However, as with any surgery, an inflammation can also be a complication, leading to a swollen testicle. Often the swelling of the testicle after a vasectomy does not cause any significant discomfort and subsides within a few days. However, if this is not the case and there is severe pain, fever or fatigue, a doctor should be contacted as soon as possible.
All articles in this series: