Testicular Disorders
Testicular Disorders
What are Testicular Disorders?
Testicular disorders encompass a wide range of conditions affecting the testes, including infections, pain, swelling, trauma, undescended testes, and testicular tumors. While some conditions are minor and easily treatable, others require prompt medical attention to preserve fertility and prevent complications.
Any persistent testicular pain, swelling, or lump should be evaluated by a urologist.
Common Symptoms
- Testicular pain or discomfort
- Swelling of one or both testicles
- A lump or mass in the testis
- Heaviness in the scrotum
- Redness or tenderness of the scrotal skin
- Sudden, severe testicular pain
- Infertility
- Changes in testicular size
Common Testicular Conditions
Testicular Pain (Orchialgia)
Testicular pain may be acute or chronic and can result from infection, inflammation, trauma, or other underlying conditions.
Epididymitis and Orchitis
Inflammation or infection of the epididymis or testicle can cause:
- Pain and swelling
- Fever
- Redness of the scrotum
- Painful urination in some cases
These conditions often require prompt medical treatment.
Testicular Torsion
Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord twists, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. This is a urological emergency.
Symptoms include:
- Sudden, severe testicular pain
- Scrotal swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
Early treatment is essential to save the testicle.
Undescended Testis (Cryptorchidism)
One or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum. If untreated, it may increase the risk of infertility and testicular cancer.
Testicular Trauma
Injuries to the scrotum or testicles can cause pain, swelling, or bleeding and may occasionally require surgical treatment.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is uncommon but is the most common cancer affecting young men between 15 and 40 years of age.
Symptoms may include:
- A painless lump in the testicle
- Enlargement of the testis
- Heaviness in the scrotum
- Dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
Early diagnosis leads to excellent treatment outcomes in most patients.
How are Testicular Disorders Diagnosed?
Evaluation may include:
- Detailed medical history and physical examination
- Urine tests
- Blood tests
- Scrotal ultrasound with Doppler study
- Tumor markers in suspected testicular cancer
- CT scan in selected patients
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the underlying condition.
Medical Treatment
Many infections and inflammatory conditions can be managed with:
- Antibiotics
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Supportive care
Surgical Treatment
Certain conditions require surgical intervention, including:
- Emergency surgery for testicular torsion
- Orchidopexy for undescended testis
- Surgery for testicular trauma
- Radical orchiectomy for testicular cancer
- Microsurgical procedures for selected conditions affecting fertility
When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Attention?
Seek urgent medical care if you experience:
- Sudden, severe testicular pain
- Rapidly increasing swelling of the scrotum
- A new lump in the testicle
- Persistent pain lasting more than a few days
- Associated fever or vomiting
Specialized Testicular Care
Dr. Saurabh Thakkar provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment of testicular disorders, including infections, testicular pain, undescended testes, fertility-related conditions, and testicular tumors.
Schedule a consultation for expert evaluation of testicular pain, swelling, or any new lump in the scrotum.