6 Causes of Testicle Pain

Testicular pain is not a pleasant topic, and many men are reluctant to see their urologist in hopes that the pain will resolve itself. However, testicular pain can be an indication of a bigger problem, and it’s important to speak to a urology expert as soon as possible. Here are six of the most common causes of testicle pain.

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1. Inguinal Hernia

Hernias are relatively common and can occur in many different parts of your body. One of the most common places it can occur is near the spot where your thigh connects with your body. A small piece of fatty tissue (or intestine in abdominal hernias) pushes through the tissue that surrounds it, causing pain. Inguinal hernias often cause pain in the testicles because they follow the same route your testicles took when they first descended into your scrotum.

2. Epididymitis

Epididymitis is an infection of the epididymis, the coiled tube behind each testicle that serves as a storage and delivery system for sperm. An infected epididymis will make your testicles swollen and red, and may cause pain during urination or ejaculation accompanied by a frequent need to visit the bathroom. Most cases can be treated with antibiotics, although in serious cases surgery is needed to remove part or all of the epididymis.

3. Varicocele

A varicocele is similar to varicose veins. It happens when the valves in the major vein that deliver blood back to the heart aren’t working properly, causing blood to build up in the area. Symptoms include pain in one or both testicles, and you can usually feel a tangled mass of veins through the skin. Treatment involves either anti-inflammatory medication or possibly surgery to remove the affected veins.

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4. Spermatocele

Remember the epididymis? Well, here’s something else that can affect them. A spermatocele is a benign cyst in the epididymis that starts out as accumulated sperm cells. Most of the time they’re small and don’t cause any problems, but sometimes they can grow large enough to cause pain or a feeling of heaviness. They usually don’t need treatment, but you could be prescribed antibiotics if you’re in a lot of pain, or you could opt to have it surgically removed (although this option could possibly affect your fertility).

5. Orchitis

Orchitis is a swelling of the testicles. It can be caused by epididymitis, as well as other bacterial or viral infections. Symptoms include fever, blood in your semen, a swollen or red scrotum, and pain. Since it can be caused by a wide variety of culprits, it’s important to see your urologist right away so you can get started on antibiotics and possibly anti-inflammatory medication.

6. Kidney Stones

Although kidney stones aren’t found in the testicles, testicular pain is a common symptom because the pain can radiate into the testicles. The good news is that you can usually pass kidney stones without any treatment other than pain medication and drinking lots of water, but it isn’t a pleasant process.

Testicular pain should not be ignored. Most causes can be treated easily and painlessly if treatment is sought sooner rather than later. To learn more about causes of testicle pain or urology in Las Vegas,  contact Dr. Michael S. Kaplan at (702) 454-6226 today.

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