Pain in the testicles can be caused by many things, but it is most often associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), a hernia or a varicocele. In rare cases, it can be caused by a serious condition like testicular cancer that needs to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
STIs
If you have an STD, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, your scrotum can become infected and the testicles can become painful. The scrotum and testicles can also get infected by certain other sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV or hepatitis C. You can avoid infection by following sex safety practices, such as wearing condoms and practicing good hygiene.
Hernias and kidney stones can also cause pain in the testicles. If a hernia isn’t treated, it can cause chronic pain in the testicles and may lead to infertility. A kidney stone can also cause testicular pain, but this is usually a sign of an underlying condition that needs treatment.
Varicocele and chronic epididymitis
If your testicle pain is caused by a varicocele or chronic epididymitis, it can be very uncomfortable, especially when you lie down. This can be very frustrating and affect your quality of life.
Orchialgia
If you have orchialgia, you’ll experience groin and scrotal pain that lasts for a long time. This can make it difficult to sleep and may increase your risk of getting sick.
Orchialgia is a problem that can occur at any age, but is more common in boys and young men. Symptoms can range from mild and dull to severe and debilitating.
Testicular torsion
If the pain is sudden and severe, it could be caused by a condition called testicular torsion. It can be life threatening if it isn’t treated right away. You should see a doctor if your testicles hurt when you lift or bend over or if they are twisted or ride up in the scrotum.
A hernia can cause pain, swelling and blood in your urine. If you have a hernia, your health care provider may treat the condition with surgery or medicines to relieve the pain and discomfort.
Other tests will be done to diagnose the underlying condition. These can include a urine test and an imaging test. These can be X-rays, ultrasound or CT scans.
In most cases, the underlying cause of your testicular pain will be treated, and the symptoms will go away. In more serious cases, you may need to have the affected testicle removed through surgery or an orchiectomy.
The pain may be relieved by taking over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, or by changing the way you use your body or exercising. You can also apply ice packs to reduce the swelling.
You can also take an athletic supporter, which is a cup that can be used to hold your scrotum up and help relieve the pain. You can also place a rolled towel under your scrotum to provide additional support.
Orchiectomy
If you have cancer or a tumor in your testicles, it can cause pain or swelling in your testicles and scrotum. This can be very difficult to live with, so you should always seek medical attention if you have any of these symptoms.
