Right Testicular Pain: Causes and Concerns in Urology - Urology

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Testicular pain


I have a dull, swollen pain in my right testicle that feels worse when I sit down.
I went to the hospital for an examination, and the doctor mentioned that there is slight varicocele on the left side, but it is not severe enough to require surgery.
I understand that varicocele usually occurs on the left side, and the pain is typically felt when standing.
However, my pain is on the right side and occurs while sitting (possibly due to pressure), which is the opposite of what is expected with varicocele.
When I wear loose-fitting pants, the pain is less noticeable, but it becomes more pronounced with tighter clothing.
This has been ongoing for several months.
What could be the issue?

Awei, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/09/23

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology


Awei: Hello, varicocele mostly occurs on the left side.
You mentioned right testicular pain; I'm not sure what examinations you have undergone.
There are many potential causes for testicular pain, including local inflammation, infection, nerve pain, muscle soreness, urinary tract stones, and kidney issues (which may also cause testicular pain).
You might try applying a warm compress locally to see if it helps improve the pain.
Warm compresses can alleviate many types of pain in this area.
If there are any details that need further clarification, feel free to ask again, and we can discuss and research it further.
Department of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Concerned about you.
Director, Hsu Wei-Kai.

Reply Date: 2009/09/23

More Info


Understanding right testicular pain can be complex, especially when considering the various anatomical and physiological factors involved. In your case, the discomfort you are experiencing on the right side, particularly when sitting, could be attributed to several potential causes.

Firstly, it’s important to note that while varicocele (enlargement of veins within the scrotum) is more commonly found on the left side due to anatomical differences in venous drainage, it can also occur on the right side. However, if your doctor has indicated that the left side has a mild varicocele and has deemed it not severe enough to require surgical intervention, it is essential to consider other factors that might be contributing to your right-sided pain.

One possible explanation for your symptoms could be related to nerve irritation or entrapment. The ilioinguinal and genitofemoral nerves, which innervate the groin and scrotal area, can sometimes become compressed or irritated, leading to pain that may be exacerbated by certain positions, such as sitting. This could explain why you feel more discomfort when seated, as this position may increase pressure on the affected nerves.

Another consideration is the possibility of referred pain from other structures. Conditions such as inguinal hernias, which can occur on either side, may present with discomfort in the testicular region. Additionally, issues related to the prostate or pelvic floor muscles can also manifest as testicular pain. For instance, prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) can cause discomfort that radiates to the testicles, and pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to muscle tightness and pain in the groin and testicular area.

In your case, the fact that wearing tighter clothing exacerbates the pain suggests that there may be a mechanical component to your discomfort. Tight clothing can increase pressure on the groin area and may irritate sensitive structures, leading to increased pain. Conversely, wearing looser clothing seems to alleviate some of the discomfort, which further supports this theory.

Given that your symptoms have persisted for several months, it would be prudent to seek further evaluation. A thorough examination by a urologist, including a physical examination and possibly imaging studies such as an ultrasound, can help rule out any underlying conditions such as testicular torsion, tumors, or other abnormalities. Additionally, if nerve entrapment is suspected, a referral to a specialist in pain management or physical therapy may be beneficial.

In summary, while varicocele is a common cause of testicular pain, your symptoms may be due to a combination of factors, including nerve irritation, referred pain, or mechanical issues related to clothing. It is essential to continue working with your healthcare provider to explore these possibilities and find an appropriate treatment plan. If the pain persists or worsens, do not hesitate to seek further medical advice, as early intervention can often lead to better outcomes.

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