If you’re dealing with pain in one or both testicles, it’s natural to wonder what’s causing it. A pain in testicle cause can range from a minor injury to a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment. Some causes are minor and easy to treat, while others need immediate medical care.
The way your pain starts and any other symptoms you have can give important clues about what’s causing it. Knowing what to watch for can help you decide when it’s time to see a doctor.
When Is a Pain in Testicle Cause an Emergency?
If you have sudden, severe pain in one testicle, don’t wait to see if it goes away.
One possible cause is testicular torsion. This happens when the spermatic cord twists and cuts off blood flow to the testicle. Without quick treatment, the testicle can suffer permanent damage in just a few hours.
Even if the pain starts to get better, you should still get checked right away. The blood flow may still not be normal.
Seek emergency medical care if you have:
- Sudden, severe pain in one testicle
- Rapid swelling of the scrotum
- Nausea or vomiting along with testicular pain
- A testicle that sits higher than normal
- Severe pain without an obvious injury
Common Pain in Testicle Causes
Not every pain in testicle cause starts suddenly. Some problems develop slowly over several hours or even a few days.
One of the most common causes is epididymitis. This is inflammation of the epididymis, the small tube behind the testicle that stores sperm.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain that slowly gets worse
- Tenderness
- Swelling of the scrotum
- Redness or warmth
- Pain when you urinate
- Frequent urination
- Discharge from the penis
- Pain with ejaculation
Epididymitis is often caused by a bacterial infection. In younger men, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, are common causes. In older men, bacteria from the urinary tract are often responsible.
Treatment usually includes antibiotics if bacteria are causing the infection.
Can Pain in Your Testicle Start Somewhere Else?
Sometimes the pain isn’t coming from the testicle itself. Instead, it starts somewhere else and travels into the scrotum.
Kidney Stones
A kidney stone can cause severe pain that starts in your back or side and moves into your groin or testicle.
Other symptoms may include:
- Blood in the urine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- A strong urge to urinate
- Severe pain in your side or back
Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia happens when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall.
Symptoms may include:
- A bulge in the groin
- A pulling or pressure feeling
- Pain that gets worse when lifting
- Pain that spreads into the scrotum
Why Does My Testicle Feel Heavy or Achy?
A dull ache or feeling of heaviness can have several causes.
Varicocele
A varicocele is an enlarged group of veins around the testicle. Many men describe it as a heavy, aching, or dragging feeling instead of sharp pain.
The discomfort often gets worse:
- After standing for a long time
- During exercise
- Late in the day
Hydrocele
A hydrocele happens when fluid builds up around the testicle. Most men notice swelling or heaviness, but larger hydroceles can also become uncomfortable.
Can an Infection Cause Testicular Pain?
Yes. Orchitis is inflammation of the testicle. It can happen because of a viral infection, a bacterial infection, or along with epididymitis.
Symptoms may include:
- Testicular swelling
- Tenderness
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Scrotal discomfort
Because orchitis and epididymitis can look very similar, you’ll need an exam to find out what’s causing your symptoms.
Could Testicular Cancer Cause Pain?
Testicular cancer doesn’t usually cause severe pain. Instead, many men notice:
- A new lump
- Firmness in the testicle
- One testicle becoming larger
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
Any new lump or unexplained change in a testicle should be checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
What Causes Long-Lasting Testicular Pain?
Some men have testicular pain that lasts for months. This is called chronic testicular pain.
It can happen after:
- A previous infection
- Hernia repair
- A vasectomy
- An injury
- Nerve irritation
Sometimes there’s no clear cause, but that doesn’t mean the pain should be ignored. A urologist can look for the reason behind your pain and recommend treatments to help you feel better.
When Should You See a Doctor for a Pain in Testicle Cause?
Testicular pain can have many different causes. Some are minor, while others need treatment right away.
Make an appointment if you have:
- Testicular pain that doesn’t go away
- Pain that keeps coming back
- Swelling
- A lump or change in a testicle
- Pain when you urinate
- Blood in your urine
- Blood in your semen
- Pain with ejaculation
- Discharge from the penis
Your doctor may recommend:
- A urine test
- A urine culture
- STI testing
- Blood tests
- An ultrasound
An ultrasound can check blood flow, look for masses, find swelling, and help tell the difference between conditions like epididymitis and testicular torsion.
Get Help for a Pain in Testicle Cause
A pain in testicle cause isn’t always serious, but it should never be ignored. Whether your pain started suddenly or has been bothering you for weeks, finding the cause early can help prevent complications and get you the right treatment sooner.
If you’re experiencing testicular pain, the team at Oregon Urology Institute is here to help. We provide expert care for men throughout Eugene, Springfield, and the surrounding communities. Call (541) 334-3350 today to schedule an appointment with one of our urologists.