Swelling of testicles
Swelling of testicles
Swelling of the testicles is a condition that can affect one or both testicles and may present with pain, discomfort, or a noticeable change in size. It can result from a variety of causes, ranging from mild issues like fluid accumulation (hydrocele) to more serious conditions such as infections (epididymitis or orchitis), testicular torsion, or even testicular cancer. Infections are often accompanied by redness, warmth, and tenderness, while sudden, severe pain may signal a medical emergency like torsion, where immediate treatment is needed to save the testicle. In some cases, the swelling may be painless, which can delay attention—especially in conditions like testicular tumors. Regardless of the cause, any testicular swelling should be evaluated by a medical professional promptly to ensure accurate diagnosis and timely treatment, helping to prevent complications and preserve reproductive health.
What are the Swelling of testicles Procedures
When a patient presents with testicular swelling, a series of diagnostic and treatment procedures may be recommended to identify the cause and provide relief. The first step typically includes a physical examination and a scrotal ultrasound, which helps visualize the testicles and surrounding structures to detect infections, fluid buildup, torsion, or tumors. A urine test and blood work are often performed to check for infections or signs of inflammation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Swelling of the testicles can occur due to various reasons, ranging from infections such as epididymitis or orchitis, to fluid accumulation (hydrocele), varicocele, trauma, testicular torsion, or even testicular cancer. Identifying the exact cause requires a medical examination and diagnostic tests like ultrasound or urine analysis.
Not necessarily. Some causes, such as infections or torsion, can be very painful and sudden in onset, while others like hydrocele or early-stage testicular cancer may cause painless swelling. Any unexplained swelling should be medically evaluated, regardless of whether it is painful or not.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you notice sudden swelling, severe pain, redness, or changes in the size or shape of a testicle. These could be signs of serious conditions like testicular torsion, which is a surgical emergency. Persistent or painless swelling should also be evaluated to rule out tumors or other chronic conditions.
While mild cases caused by minor injuries or irritation may improve with rest and supportive care, many causes of testicular swelling—especially infections or torsion—require medical treatment. Delaying evaluation can increase the risk of complications, including infertility or loss of the testicle.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Infections are usually treated with antibiotics, while conditions like hydrocele or varicocele may require minor surgery. In emergency cases such as torsion, surgery is performed immediately to restore blood flow. If a tumor is suspected, further diagnostic steps or surgical removal of the testicle may be needed.