Intermittent Right Testicular Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Q: Intermittent Right Testicular Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello： Testicular torsion can be very painful, especially in younger individuals, and it is difficult to endure. <br>If you have rested and still feel no improvement, it is advisable to go to the hospital's urology department for an examination. <br>If walking causes pain, you sh

Right testicular pain?

Hello Doctor: Since last night, I've been experiencing intermittent sharp pain in my right testicle.
If I remember correctly, the pain seemed to start after I had been sitting in front of the computer for a long time (about 3-4 hours) before bed.
After getting up, I noticed a dull ache in my right testicle.
The pain is not constant but comes and goes.
When I touch it, I can feel pain at a specific point.
The intensity of the pain is not unbearable, but it is noticeable.
I thought I would sleep it off (I even made sure to lie flat with my legs spread to avoid putting pressure on it), but when I woke up today, the dull ache persisted.
Even tonight, the pain is still there; it’s not continuous but rather comes in waves, and it seems to hurt only when touched.
I would like to ask the doctor if this could possibly be due to varicocele or torsion? (I found some alarming news about torsion online.) Or could there be other potential symptoms? Should I see a urologist immediately, or can I wait a day or two to see if it improves? Thank you for your hard work in responding!

Tom, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/12/02

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: Testicular torsion can be very painful, especially in younger individuals, and it is difficult to endure.
If you have rested and still feel no improvement, it is advisable to go to the hospital's urology department for an examination.
If walking causes pain, you should seek medical attention promptly.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2017/12/02

More Info

Intermittent right testicular pain can be concerning, and it's important to understand the potential causes and when to seek medical help. Based on your description, it seems that the pain is not constant but occurs in episodes, which can be indicative of several conditions.

One possible cause of your symptoms could be testicular torsion, which is a medical emergency. This occurs when the spermatic cord becomes twisted, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. Symptoms typically include sudden, severe pain in the testicle, swelling, and sometimes nausea. However, since you mentioned that the pain is not unbearable and occurs intermittently, torsion might be less likely, but it cannot be ruled out without a proper examination.

Another possibility is epididymitis, which is inflammation of the epididymis (the tube that stores and carries sperm). This condition can cause pain that may come and go, and it is often accompanied by swelling and tenderness. Epididymitis can be caused by infections, including sexually transmitted infections, or by non-infectious causes such as trauma or prolonged sitting.

Varicocele, which is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, could also be a potential cause of your symptoms. It often presents as a dull ache or discomfort that can vary in intensity and is usually more noticeable after prolonged sitting or standing. Varicoceles are common and can sometimes lead to fertility issues, so if this is suspected, it would be worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

Given your history of prolonged sitting at the computer, it’s also possible that your pain could be related to musculoskeletal issues. Poor posture or prolonged pressure on the pelvic area can lead to discomfort that may be perceived as testicular pain.
In terms of when to seek help, if the pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, redness, fever, or nausea, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. A urologist can perform a physical examination and may recommend an ultrasound to assess blood flow to the testicle and check for any abnormalities.

If the pain remains mild and does not worsen, you might consider monitoring it for a day or two. However, it is always better to err on the side of caution with testicular pain. If you feel uncertain or anxious about your symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional sooner rather than later.

In summary, while there are several potential causes for intermittent right testicular pain, including testicular torsion, epididymitis, and varicocele, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience any significant changes or additional symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Your health and peace of mind are paramount, and a healthcare provider can help clarify the situation and provide appropriate care.

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