Testicular disorders overview

Men have testicles, or testes, which are the components of the reproductive system that produce sperm and hormones. They are crucial organs in your body, which is why you should become familiar with how they look and feel when they are in good health and be alert to any changes. If you experience testicular pain or notice a change in your testicles, such as a lump, get in touch with your doctor.

Male sexuality and fertility can be impacted by testicular disorders. Any age can experience testicular diseases, although they are rare and rarely serious. The disorders affecting the testes can take many different forms. The most well-known ailment is testicular cancer; however, there are several benign diseases of the testes that range from minor to life-threatening.

 

What are the symptoms of testicular disorders?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, speak with your doctor right away:

• pain in your testicles or scrotum.
• a lump on your testicle.
• skin discoloration on your scrotum.
• an unusual feeling of warmth in the scrotal area.
• blood in your semen.
• lower abdominal pain.

 

How are testicular disorders diagnosed?

During your consultation, the doctor will review your medical history and symptoms and perform a physical examination. Depending on what they anticipate finding, they will decide which tests to order. The doctor may request blood tests to assess your hormone levels or urine tests to look for infection. They may also request an ultrasound of your testicles and scrotum to look for lumps.

 

What are the types of testicular disorders?

The following are a few of the more prevalent disorders that can affect the testicles and scrotum:

 

Epididymitis

The epididymis, the long tube located next to the testicles, can become inflamed or infected. Sexually transmitted diseases, trauma, pressure accumulation (such as after a vasectomy), and other issues are all possible causes of epididymitis. Epididymitis symptoms can range from minor to severe discomfort, testicular or scrotal swelling, vomiting, and fever. The likelihood of contracting infected epididymitis rises with unprotected sex and having several partners.

Antibiotics and painkillers are successful treatments for epididymitis. More severe cases could benefit from bed rest, painkillers, the use of an athletic supporter, and the application of ice to the scrotum. However, it may take several weeks or months for the discomfort to go away.

 

Hydrocele

A fluid accumulation around the testicles is known as a hydrocele. It can enlarge the scrotum and groin region and affect one or both testicles. In most cases, hydrocele is not harmful and may not even require treatment. However, a doctor should be seen if there is any scrotal edema. Sometimes, hydrocele can produce symptoms other than swelling, such as minor pain and scrotal soreness. Although they can happen later in life, hydrocele more frequently happens in infants who have a hole between the abdomen and scrotum. Men typically develop hydrocele as a result of injury, inflammation, testicular infection, or epididymitis.

An early scrotal ultrasound may be necessary for a hydrocele that manifests suddenly and without apparent cause. Surgery can treat a hydrocele if it is particularly big or painful. Sometimes hydroceles can be treated without surgery by injecting a particular substance through the scrotal wall.

 

Testicular torsion

Torsion of the spermatic cord, which stops the testicle’s blood flow, results in testicular torsion. Some males are more prone to testicular torsion due to developmental issues. Testicular torsion is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to save the testicle. Young teens should be taught that any pain should be reported because torsion is most frequently experienced between the ages of 10 and 15 while they are going through puberty. Testicular torsion symptoms can include abrupt, intense pain in the testicle, swelling and soreness in the testicles and scrotum, fever, and vomiting, among other things.

Any sudden development of testicular pain and swelling needs to be assessed at the emergency hospital, where a scrotal ultrasound can easily be completed. Within four hours, the testicle must be surgically untwisted to avoid lasting injury.

 

Varicocele

Scrotal veins that are swollen or dilated are known as varicoceles. It is often a painless and unharmful condition, but it can result in poor sperm quality and low sperm production, which can cause male infertility. Varicocele occasionally causes symptoms, including pain and swelling. This disorder affects as many as one in five males. You should see a doctor if you have a protrusion over your testicle, especially while standing.

Most varicoceles don’t need to be treated, but some may require surgery to be removed. Microsurgery to tie up the varicocele’s dilated veins is successful in males with varicoceles and reduced fertility. A small coil can be injected into the aberrant veins to treat varicoceles without surgery.

 

Hypogonadism

Hypogonadism develops when the testicles fail to produce enough of the hormone testosterone. Age, disease, trauma, some drugs, or physical issues like an undescended testicle or chromosome abnormalities can all contribute to it. Men’s issues with erectile dysfunction, decreased sex drive, infertility, enlarged breast tissue, decreased body and beard hair, and menopause-like symptoms, including hot flashes and mood swings, can all be brought on by low testosterone levels.

Testosterone replacement therapy can be used to treat this disorder. Treating the underlying cause of hypogonadism, such as a pituitary disorder, may eliminate the condition’s symptoms.

 

Orchitis

One or both testicles might become inflamed with orchitis. It is usually brought on by a viral or bacterial illness. One typical cause of orchitis is mumps. Orchitis can result from sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and chlamydia when they induce epididymitis, an infection of the epididymis, which can then result in orchitis. Epididymo-orchitis is the name given to this kind of orchitis. Testicular and scrotal pain and tenderness, as well as infertility, are indications that you have orchitis. It is usually treatable with medication and natural therapies.

 

Spermatocele

A fluid-filled cyst called a spermatocele, also called a spermatic cyst, can develop in the epididymis. Small cysts usually don’t hurt. Large cysts may cause enlargement above and behind the testicle, as well as pain or a heavy feeling in the affected testicle. Surgery may be possible if you have a big spermatocele and experience discomfort or other symptoms.

 

Undescended testicles

When the testicle fails to descend into the scrotum by the time of birth, it is said to have an “undescended testis.” Although an undescended testis poses no health risks, it should be surgically moved into the scrotum to allow for proper development.

An orchidopexy can be carried out for this condition. To do this, a groin cut (incision) must first be made to identify the undescended testicle. Through a second incision, the testicle is then slid downward and repositioned in the scrotum.

 

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer develops when testicular cells experience mutations that lead them to “act up.” The cells could proliferate irrationally and enter places they shouldn’t be. Testicular cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among men between the ages of 20 and 35. It usually results in a slow-growing, painless lump or hardness in one testis.

Testicular cancer is treatable if a guy seeks early medical assistance. The type of cancer and its stage are taken into consideration when treating testicular cancer. An orchiectomy, or testicle removal operation, can treat cancer that has not spread from the testis. Testicular cancer treatments may involve surgery to remove the abdominal lymph nodes, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of two or more if it has spread outside the testicle.

 

Testicular pain

Testicular pain can be caused by various testicular conditions. Other medical disorders that can result in pain in or near the testicles include kidney and ureteral stones, infections, and inguinal hernias. Call your doctor as soon as you notice any testicular pain. Additionally, you should seek emergency medical attention if your testicular pain develops suddenly to rule out more serious illnesses like testicular torsion.

 

How can testicular disorders be prevented?

Testicular cancer cannot be prevented with any certainty. Early detection is crucial because of this. All young men should undergo a monthly testicular self-exam. Additionally, there is no advised way to avoid testicular torsion, varicoceles, or hydroceles. Epididymitis can be avoided by engaging in safe sex, abstaining from strenuous activity, and not stooping with a full bladder.

 

Schedule your appointment today!

Contact our knowledgeable team right away to schedule your consultation and learn more about testicular disorders. 

 

FAQ

What are the risk factors for testicular cancer?

Testicular cancer risk factors include having a prior history of testicular cancer and having a close relative suffering from testicular cancer.

What causes testicular problems?

Age, disease, trauma, some medications, or physical issues like a chromosomal disorder or an undescended testicle may all contribute to it.

How can one tell if they have testicular issues?

Testicular pain, swelling, or lumps may indicate a medical disease that has to be treated, such as testicular cancer.

Should I be worried about testicular discomfort?

Call your doctor if you experience any testicular symptoms, such as pain, swelling, soreness, or a lump. Some illnesses could be severe and even lethal if not treated right away.