Testicular pain

Definition

The most common testicular pain is caused by an inflammation of the testicles. Furthermore, infectious diseases cause pain in the testicles. Below you will find an overview of possible diseases of the testicles.

Testicular pain can have many different causes. On the one hand, there are those which are not immediately acute problems and require long-term treatment. But there are also some that require immediate, emergency surgical treatment to prevent permanent damage to the testicles.

Of course, a process in the testicle itself, be it an inflammation or a tumor, can be responsible for the testicular pain. On the other hand, however, processes in the neighbouring organs, such as an inflammation of the bladder, urethra or prostate can also trigger the pain. The nerves themselves, which are responsible for the transmission of pain and sensation from the testicles, can also cause testicular pain.

This is independent of the location of the nerves where the actual damage lies. In this sense, injuries and diseases of the spinal column, such as a herniated disc in the lumbar spine, can also manifest themselves as testicular pain. But also a so-called testicular torsion, which is an acute emergency, can be a possible cause. The same applies to water retention in the testicles (hydrocele), which, however, is accompanied by a relatively obvious swelling, or inguinal hernias. If the cause of the testicular pain is unclear, a thorough medical examination should always be performed due to the many possible underlying problems.

Pain character and strength

The character of pain varies greatly depending on the underlying disease. Slight pain is more likely to indicate an inguinal hernia, a varicocele (varicose vein in the testicular area) or a testicular tumor. In the case of testicular torsion, the strongest painful conditions occur.

Also an acute inflammation or the incarceration of a hernia can cause strongest pain. On the other hand, an inflammation of the prostate or bladder usually manifests itself as a slight pulling in the testicles. All types of testicular pain can also manifest themselves as a rather diffuse pain in the lower abdomen. In the absence of treatment, or if it is not responding, testicular pain can also become chronic. One speaks of chronic testicular pain if the pain persists for at least 3 months or recurs regularly.