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3 October 2025Testicular pain can be defined as pain or discomfort felt in the testicles, one of the male reproductive organs. This pain can be felt in a single testicle or in both testicles. Although short-term mild pain often does not indicate a serious health problem, prolonged or severe testicular pain may indicate some important diseases.
The testicles are sensitive organs with vital functions such as sperm production and testosterone secretion. The fact that they are located outside the body and are relatively less protected increases the possibility of exposure to external factors.
Why Does Testicular Pain Occur?
There are many different causes of testicular pain. These causes can be examined in a wide range from trauma to infections, from disorders in vascular structures to tumours.
1. Trauma and Injuries
Blows to the testicles due to sports activities, falls, blows or accidents can cause acute and severe testicular pain. Post-traumatic pain may also be accompanied by bruising and swelling.
2. Infections
- Epididymitis: It is inflammation of the epididymal ducts located behind the testicle. It is usually caused by bacterial or sexually transmitted infections.
- Orchitis: Inflammation of the testicle itself. Mumps virus is a common cause of orchitis, especially in childhood.
3. Testicular Torsion (Rotation)
Testicular torsion is a condition in which the blood supply to the testicle is cut off as a result of the ligament that hangs the testicle upwards (spermatic cord) rotating around itself. It causes sudden and severe pain and requires urgent surgical intervention.
4. Hernias
Inguinal hernias (inguinal hernia) can put pressure on the testicles and cause pain in the testicles.
5. Varicocele
Varicocele, defined as the enlargement of the veins around the testicle, is a common cause of testicular pain that can cause a feeling of heaviness and pain in the testicles.
6. Kidney Stones
Kidney stones, stones that come out of the kidney and fall into the ureter, that is, the urinary canal, may cause pain reflected in the groin and testicles as they progress to the lower parts of the canal.
7. Post-Surgical Pain
After surgical procedures applied to the groin area such as vasectomy, hernia surgery, testicular oedema and associated pain may develop.
8. Testicular Cancer
It may not cause pain in the early period, but pain may develop with palpable hardness or swelling in the testicle.
Right and Left Testicular Pain
When testicular pain is unilateral, the cause and assessment process may vary.
Left testicular pain can often be caused by anatomical differences in the vasculature, such as varicocele, and varicocele is more common on the left side. Inguinal hernias on the left side can also cause pain. Pain caused by kidney stones may also occur when the stones in the left ureter are reflected to the left testicle.
In right testicular pain, right inguinal hernias, kidney stones developing on the right side or traumas affecting the right testicle are more common. Varicocele is less common in the right testicle.
Testicular torsion is a condition that can be seen equally on both the right and left sides and requires urgent intervention.
Most Common Causes of Right and Left Testicular Pain
| Özellik | Sol Testis Ağrısı | Sağ Testis Ağrısı |
|---|---|---|
|
Varicocele |
It is more common on the left side; anatomical differences in vascular structure are effective. |
It is rare. |
|
Inguinal Hernia |
Left inguinal hernias can cause pain. |
Right inguinal hernias can cause pain. |
|
Kidney stone |
Stones in the left kidney and ureter may cause pain radiating to the left testicle. |
Stones in the right kidney and ureter may cause pain radiating to the right testicle. |
|
Traumas |
Trauma from sports or accidents can cause pain in the left testicle. |
Similarly, traumas can cause pain in the right testicle. |
|
Testicular Torsion |
It is equally common on both sides and requires urgent surgical intervention. |
It occurs equally often on both sides and requires urgent surgical intervention. |
Symptoms of Testicular Pain and Accompanying Conditions
- Swelling and tenderness in the testicles
- Redness or bruising of the scrotum
- Pain radiating to the groin and abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Discomfort when walking or sitting
- Fever and signs of infection
- Blood or burning sensation in the urine
Who is more common?
- Men who practice contact sports
- Those with inguinal hernia or vascular structure problems
- Those at high risk of sexually transmitted diseases
- Children and adolescent boys (especially at risk of torsion)
- Individuals with previous testicular surgery
Intermittent Testicular Pain
Intermittent testicular pain is pain that occurs at regular intervals and usually goes away spontaneously. This pain is especially common in patients with varicocele and stone dropping.
Diagnosis Methods
The diagnostic process is shaped according to the duration and intensity of pain and other accompanying symptoms.
- Physical Examination: Evaluation of the scrotum, testicles and groin area.
- Blood and Urine Tests: For signs of infection or inflammation.
- Ultrasonography: To visualise testicular torsion, tumours or vascular structure problems.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): For nerve compression or other detailed examinations.
How Does Testicular Pain Go Away?
Treatment of testicular pain is planned according to the cause.
- Infection treatment: It is done with antibiotics or antiviral drugs.
- Post-traumatic care: Rest, ice application, elevation, that is, keeping the testicles up and painkillers are used
- Surgical intervention: It may be necessary in cases of varicocele, torsion, hernia or tumour.
- Varicocele treatment: It should be done with microsurgical methods.
- Physiotherapy: It may be beneficial in pelvic floor muscle spasms.
- Lifestyle adjustments: It is recommended to avoid heavy lifting, to use protection in athletes, to avoid wearing tight underwear and trousers, and to ensure that the testicles are elevated.
When to consult a doctor for testicular pain?
Situations where you should consult a urologist immediately:
- Sudden and severe testicular pain
- Pain with swelling and redness
- Pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting
- Persistent pain after trauma
- Testicular hardness or palpable mass
