Definition – What is an enlarged and swollen testicle?
Various diseases can lead to an enlarged testicle. Often the swelling is only unilateral, so that the difference in size is noticeable when comparing the sides. In the case of swelling, the skin over the testicle is tense.
As a rule, swelling is accompanied by pain. In some cases, swelling of both scrotum sacs can also occur. In any case, a further clarification of the cause should be made by a doctor. This is because there may be dangerous underlying diseases for which treatment by a doctor is necessary.
Causes of an enlarged and swollen testicle
There are a variety of causes for a swollen and enlarged testicle. The most dangerous is testicular torsion (twisted testicle). In testicular torsion the style of the testis is twisted and the blood supply is interrupted.
Treatment must be given as soon as possible, otherwise the testicular tissue dies. Torsion of the testis occurs mainly in infants, children, adolescents and young men. A more common cause of an enlarged and swollen testicle is inflammation of the epididymis or the testicle itself.
Inflammation of the testicles is, for example, a complication of mumps, which can lead to infertility. However, testicular mumps is far more often accompanied only by a reduction in the size of the testis. Furthermore, testicular cancer can lead to an enlarged testicle.
Blunt force trauma, e.g. from kicks or during sports, can also lead to a swollen testicle. As a rule, this also leads to the formation of a bruise. Cysts can also form in the testicles.
In some cases, the hernia sac of an inguinal hernia can also extend into the testicle, so that the testicle is enlarged. Finally, it is possible that a swelling of the testicles occurs after surgery, e.g. on the prostate. 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, a blood accumulation in the testicle occurs, which leads to an increase in the size of the testicle.
- Testicular torsion
- Testicular Inflammation
- Testicular cancer
- Symptoms of inguinal hernia
- Varicose veins on the testicles – it’s that dangerous!
The most common cause of a swollen testicle in old age is epididymitis. Among other things, this can occur due to urinary tract infections caused by residual urine in the bladder.
Another possible cause, which is not so common in old age, is sexually transmitted diseases. Another disease that leads to an enlarged testicle is testicular cancer. On the one hand, testicular cancer occurs more frequently between the ages of 20 and 50, and on the other hand from the age of 70 onwards.
Usually the swelling is unilateral. Only in very rare cases does testicular cancer occur on both sides. Also inguinal hernias are not uncommon in old age.
Here it can happen that the hernial sac is located in the testicle and this is enlarged. In addition, after surgery for an inguinal hernia or prostate surgery, a temporary swelling of the testicle may occur. A twisted testicle is not excluded in old age, but is very unlikely.
In case of doubt, however, it should always be excluded, as a twisted testicle is an emergency that must be treated immediately.
- Epididymitis
- Testicular cancer
- Symptoms of inguinal hernia
In prostate surgery, lymph nodes are often removed as well. This hinders the drainage of lymph and can lead to lymph congestion, which causes swelling of the testicles.
Within two to three days, the swelling goes down. Cooling and elevation of the testicles have a supporting effect. During vasectomy the spermatic cord is cut with the aim of preventing conception in men.
This can also damage the lymphatic ducts, so that in the first few days after the procedure there is a lymph congestion and thus swelling of the testicles. Within a few days, however, the swelling should subside. In a few cases, inflammation may also occur as a result of the operation.
This is accompanied by general fatigue and fever. Then a doctor should be consulted. Both an inflammation of the testicles and an epididymitis can lead to a swollen and enlarged testicle.
An exact differentiation between testicle and epididymitis is often not possible. Epididymitis, however, occurs more frequently.In the course of an inflammation, in addition to the swelling, redness, overheating and pain occur. As a rule, the symptoms are one-sided. By lifting the testicle the pain is reduced. and epididymitis
