What is Testicular Pain?
Testicular pain can be unilateral or bilateral. The pain can start suddenly, gradually increase, or spread to the groin area. Symptoms such as swelling, redness, fever, nausea, burning urination, or penile discharge may accompany it.
Possible Causes of Testicular Pain
Testicular pain may be associated with epididymitis, orchitis, varicocele, trauma, inguinal hernia, referred pain due to stone disease, or certain urological emergencies. The nature of the onset of the complaint and accompanying symptoms are important for diagnosis.
Relationship with Sexually Transmitted Infections
Some sexually transmitted infections can lead to conditions such as urethritis and epididymitis, causing testicular pain or tenderness. Evaluation for STIs may be performed, especially if accompanied by penile discharge and burning during urination.
Symptoms Requiring Urgent Evaluation
Sudden severe testicular pain, a feeling of the testis being pulled upwards, nausea-vomiting, significant swelling, fever, or pain after trauma may require urgent evaluation. Waiting in such situations is not advisable.
What Tests Can Be Performed?
Based on examination findings, urinalysis, urine culture, STI tests, blood tests, or scrotal ultrasonography may be requested. The selection of tests is determined by the doctor's evaluation.
When to see a doctor
Tests used for diagnosis
- Physical examination
- Urinalysis
- Urine culture
- Scrotal Doppler ultrasonography
- STI tests
Treatment and follow-up
Treatment is planned according to the underlying cause. Infections, vascular conditions, trauma, and conditions requiring urgent surgical evaluation require different approaches.
Frequently asked questions
Can testicular pain be an emergency?
Yes. Sudden, severe testicular pain accompanied by nausea-vomiting or swelling may require urgent evaluation.
Can testicular pain be a symptom of a sexually transmitted infection?
Some infections can cause urethritis or epididymitis, leading to testicular pain. Evaluation is important if discharge and burning during urination are present.
Is ultrasound necessary for testicular pain?
It is not necessary in all cases. However, scrotal ultrasonography may be requested if there is swelling, trauma, sudden pain, or suspicious findings on examination.
Does varicocele cause testicular pain?
Varicocele can cause dull pain or a feeling of heaviness in some men, especially when standing. Urological evaluation is needed for diagnosis.
