Testicle Pain

See all Pictures & Images

What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office

Your doctor will perform a physical examination with a focus on the groin, testicles, and abdomen. To help diagnose the cause of the pain, your doctor will ask medical history questions, such as:

• For how long have you had testicular pain?
• Is the pain in one testicle or both?
• Exactly where does it hurt?
• Did the pain begin suddenly or come on gradually?
• Is the pain constant or intermittent?
• How severe is the pain?
• Is the pain getting worse or better?
• Does the pain extend into your abdomen or back?
• Have you had any recent injuries or infections?
• Have you ever had a sexually transmitted disease?
• What makes the pain worse?
• Does anything help relieve the pain?
• Do you have any other symptoms like swelling, redness, change in the color of your urine, fever, or unintentional weight loss?

The following diagnostic tests may be performed:

• Ultrasound of the testicles
• Urinalysis and urine cultures
• Examination of prostate secretions

Treatment may include:

• Untwisting the testicle, performed by an experienced doctor. If this does not work, a simple surgical procedure will fix testicular torsion.
• Antibiotics may be prescribed for infections.
• Pain medications may be recommended to relieve discomfort.
• Although rare, surgical drainage or removal of an abscess may be necessary if this develops from epididymitis.
• Surgery is needed occasionally for a varicocele, a hydrocele, or spermatocele, particularly if the varicocele is contributing to infertility.