Testicular Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

I have some pain in my testicles?

In the past few days, I have experienced some discomfort.
1.
I’m not sure if it’s related to holding my urine at night, but the next morning I felt pain in the lower left side of my abdomen, and my left testicle also hurt a bit and felt slightly swollen (but it was elastic).
What should I do? It has been several days; now the abdominal pain has subsided, but when I walk or move too much, I still feel some pain in my left testicle.
2.
Could this be related to wearing tight underwear? I just bought some boxer briefs and I’m not sure if they are causing this issue or if I might have an underlying condition.
Please help me.

yungi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/01/21

Dr. Pan Zhenqin reply Urology

Your symptoms may be due to dehydration combined with urinary retention, leading to lower urinary tract inflammation.
Additionally, there may be a slight retrograde infection causing inflammation of the seminal ducts.
Therefore, it is recommended that you increase your fluid intake and avoid holding your urine.
If there is no significant improvement, it would be advisable to visit a urology clinic for a simple urine test.
If necessary, a few days of oral antibiotics should help you recover.

Reply Date: 2002/01/21

More Info

Testicular pain can be a concerning symptom and may arise from various causes. Given your description, it’s important to consider a few potential reasons for the pain and swelling in your left testicle, as well as when to seek medical help.

1. Possible Causes of Testicular Pain:
- Epididymitis: This is an inflammation of the epididymis, the tube that carries sperm from the testicle. It can cause pain and swelling in the affected testicle. It is often due to infections, which can be bacterial or viral.

- Orchitis: This is inflammation of the testicle itself, which can also be caused by infections. Mumps is a common viral cause of orchitis.

- Testicular torsion: This is a medical emergency where the spermatic cord becomes twisted, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. It usually presents with sudden, severe pain and swelling and requires immediate medical attention.

- Hernia: An inguinal hernia can cause pain in the groin and may extend to the testicular area, especially if there is a bulge or swelling.

- Trauma or injury: Any recent injury to the groin area can lead to pain and swelling.

- Tight clothing: Wearing tight underwear or pants can sometimes cause discomfort or pain in the testicular area, although this is usually mild and resolves with changing to looser clothing.

2. When to Seek Medical Help:
- If the pain persists for more than a few days or worsens, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.

- If you experience severe pain, swelling, or any other symptoms such as fever, nausea, or vomiting, seek immediate medical attention.

- If you notice any changes in the appearance of your testicles, such as lumps or significant swelling, you should also see a doctor.

3. Self-Care and Management:
- Rest: Avoid activities that may aggravate the pain, such as heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.

- Ice: Applying a cold pack to the affected area may help reduce swelling and alleviate pain.

- Support: Wearing supportive underwear can help reduce discomfort.

- Hydration: Ensure you are well-hydrated, especially if you suspect that holding in urine may have contributed to your symptoms.

4. Prevention:
- Avoid holding in urine for extended periods. If you feel the urge to urinate, it’s best to go to the bathroom promptly.

- Choose comfortable, well-fitting underwear to avoid unnecessary pressure on the testicles.

In conclusion, while some causes of testicular pain may be benign, others can be serious and require prompt medical attention. Given that your symptoms have persisted for several days, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. They may perform a physical examination and possibly imaging studies, such as an ultrasound, to determine the underlying cause of your pain and swelling. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the best outcomes, especially in cases of conditions like testicular torsion or infections.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Testicular Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

I would like to ask... I occasionally experience pain near my testicles. Could you please advise what this issue might be? Thank you.

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Chenli: Hello, testicular pain can have many causes, such as trauma, infection, kidney stones, testicular torsion, and epididymitis, among others. Further evaluation is necessary, as it is not easy to provide an answer based solely on testicular pain. Urology Department Director,...

Understanding Testicular Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

In the past few weeks, I have been experiencing a dull pain in my testicles. It's not extremely painful, but it is uncomfortable, similar to the sensation after being kicked. The discomfort is persistent, and I have noticed that when it hurts, it also radiates along the sper...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Hello, testicular pain during puberty may raise concerns about testicular torsion, which typically occurs on one side, although it can occasionally affect both sides. Once it occurs, some individuals may experience spontaneous resolution, while others may not and will require imm...

Understanding Testicular Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing intermittent pain in my testicles, as well as in my abdomen, but there is no pain when I touch them.

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: If you experience persistent pain, you should seek medical attention immediately. If the pain occurs occasionally, such as 2-3 times a week for a few minutes, you may consider making lifestyle adjustments first. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing, avoid pressure, and wear...

Understanding Right Testicular Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

I apologize, but I would like to ask you about the sharp pain in my right testicle that started last night. I can feel it clearly when sitting, but it doesn't bother me much when standing. Please advise.

Dr. Fu Shizhang reply Urology
There are many possibilities, including torsion, orchitis, hernia, varicocele, and even post-ejaculation discomfort. If you continue to feel unwell, it is advisable to consult a urologist. Online consultations cannot replace an in-person examination and physical assessment by a p...