The testicles (egg-shaped reproductive organs) are located in the scrotum along with the epididymis, a tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the penis. Aching or pain in the scrotum or testicles is common and may be caused by minor injuries to the area or more serious conditions such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), gonorrhea, hernia, kidney stones, inflammation, varicoceles, fluid in the testicle, or a severe condition known as testicular torsion.
It’s important to check your testicles regularly, particularly if you have been taking hormone-based birth control or are over 50, as these medications can cause changes to the structure of the tissue. You should gently examine each testicle, rolling it between your thumb and fingers. If the ache feels sharp and the skin around the testicle becomes red or swollen, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Most cases of aching in the scrotum are caused by infections or serious conditions that need treatment. Testicular cancer is very rare but if you have severe pain in one of your testicles, or if it’s accompanied by a lump and swelling of the scrotum or groin, it’s a medical emergency and you should call 999 immediately.
Sudden, severe pain in one of the testicles, accompanied by nausea and vomiting or with blood in the urine should also be treated as an emergency and you should seek immediate hospital attention. This is because it’s possible that the cord which carries the blood to your testicles has twisted. This is called testicular torsion and requires immediate surgery.
Acute testicular pain that doesn’t subside within an hour should also be seen by a GP as this could indicate a ruptured kidney. Acute backache accompanied by pain in the scrotum or groin is usually caused by an underlying health problem such as kidney stones or inflammation. Your GP will do a physical exam of your abdomen, groin and scrotum, and will ask you about any other symptoms you’re experiencing.
If the physical exam doesn’t explain the pain, your GP may suggest other tests to help determine what is causing it. These tests can include ultrasound scans, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which use a combination of radio waves and strong magnets to produce detailed images of the inside of the body.
You can reduce the amount of pain you feel by using over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers. However, it’s always best to see a doctor as soon as you can as the earlier the problem is picked up, the easier it will be to treat. You should also try to keep an eye on the appearance and size of your testicles, and consult your GP if you notice a difference in their appearance or feel that one is heavier than the other. This will help to prevent the condition known as’summer scrotum’, a painful swelling of the scrotum and penis due to an underlying health problem like a hernia.
