Can Lower Back Pain Cause Testicular Discomfort? the Connection

Q: Can Lower Back Pain Cause Testicular Discomfort? the Connection

Hello： 1) If there is pain in the testicles, it is advisable to seek medical attention; if there is only discomfort, observation is sufficient. <br>2) The impact of a back injury can be extensive, and it is indeed possible. <br>3) If the symptoms of the testicles are caused by a

Lower back pain can lead to testicular pain?

Hello, doctor.
I apologize for asking again, but I have a follow-up question.
Three weeks ago, I had an encounter with a sex worker, during which I received unprotected oral sex and had protected vaginal intercourse.
About a week later, I started experiencing occasional pain in my testicles (similar to the discomfort felt in cold weather) and occasional mild stinging in my urethra.
I visited a urologist, who diagnosed me with an infection but did not specify what type and did not conduct a urine test.
He prescribed three doses of Colyte to be taken over three days.
When I returned for a follow-up, I still felt pain, so the doctor prescribed Daypro 250 mg, instructing me to take four tablets the first day and then two tablets on the fifth day.
He also prescribed a certain antibiotic to be taken three times a day.
When I returned for another follow-up, I mentioned that my condition seemed unchanged.
I also told the doctor that I had a back injury over a month ago, which has caused soreness, and I have recently experienced soreness near my hip.
I noticed that the testicular pain seems to coincide with the back soreness.
The doctor said that the back issue could be affecting the testicular pain and mentioned that the urethral discomfort might be due to a minor infection.
He concluded that there was nothing serious and advised me to see an orthopedic or rehabilitation specialist.

My questions are: Can a back injury affect pain in the genital area? If I happen to have gonorrhea, will this treatment approach effectively address it? If I want to undergo testing, how long after the last sexual encounter should I wait for the most accurate results based on current testing methods?

Lao K, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/02/18

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: 1) If there is pain in the testicles, it is advisable to seek medical attention; if there is only discomfort, observation is sufficient.
2) The impact of a back injury can be extensive, and it is indeed possible.
3) If the symptoms of the testicles are caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), the symptoms should resolve after successful treatment.
4) As for when to get tested, testing for gonorrhea can be challenging, and it may be difficult to detect after treatment.
For other STIs, testing after three months is appropriate.
If you need to test for a urinary tract infection, you can do so now.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/02/18

More Info

Lower back pain can indeed have an indirect effect on testicular discomfort, and understanding this connection involves a few anatomical and physiological considerations. The human body is a complex system where pain in one area can often manifest as discomfort in another due to shared nerve pathways, muscle tension, and referred pain.

Understanding the Connection
1. Nerve Pathways: The lower back and the groin/testicular area share nerve pathways. The lumbar and sacral plexuses, which are networks of nerves in the lower back, give rise to nerves that innervate the pelvic region, including the testicles. Therefore, irritation or injury in the lower back can lead to sensations of pain or discomfort in the testicular area.

2. Referred Pain: This is a phenomenon where pain is perceived at a location other than the site of the painful stimulus. For example, a herniated disc or muscle strain in the lower back can cause referred pain to the testicles. This is due to the way the nervous system processes pain signals.

3. Muscle Tension: Chronic lower back pain can lead to muscle tension and spasms in the pelvic region. This tension can affect the muscles and ligaments that support the testicles, potentially leading to discomfort.

4. Inflammation: If there is an underlying condition causing lower back pain, such as a herniated disc or degenerative disc disease, inflammation can also affect nearby structures, including those in the pelvic region.

Your Situation
In your case, you mentioned experiencing testicular pain alongside lower back discomfort. Your urologist's assessment that the testicular pain could be influenced by your lower back condition is consistent with the above understanding. It is not uncommon for individuals with lower back injuries to report discomfort in the groin or testicular area.

Infection Considerations
Regarding the potential for an infection, it is crucial to differentiate between pain caused by musculoskeletal issues and pain resulting from an infection. The antibiotics prescribed by your urologist suggest that there was a concern for a possible infection, even if it was not explicitly identified. If there is a suspicion of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, it is essential to undergo testing.

Testing Timeline
For STI testing, it is generally recommended to wait at least 1-2 weeks after potential exposure for accurate results. This is because it can take time for infections to become detectable in standard tests. If you are experiencing ongoing symptoms, it would be prudent to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation and possibly more targeted testing.

Next Steps
1. Follow-Up with Specialists: Since your urologist suggested seeing an orthopedic or rehabilitation specialist, it would be wise to follow through with that referral. They can assess your lower back pain and determine if it is contributing to your testicular discomfort.

2. Further Testing: If symptoms persist, consider asking your urologist about further testing for STIs or other infections, especially if you have concerns about your recent sexual encounter.

3. Pain Management: Discuss pain management strategies with your healthcare provider, which may include physical therapy, medications, or other interventions to address both your lower back pain and any testicular discomfort.

In summary, while lower back pain can influence testicular discomfort, it is essential to rule out any infections or other underlying conditions. A comprehensive approach involving specialists will help address your symptoms effectively.

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