Causes of Testicular Pain

Like most men, they'd rather ignore the pain than go to the doctor and figure out why they are falling apart. That goes double when it comes to pain "down there." Most men experience testicular pain from just thinking about it, but many have experienced the real thing -- from a cyst to varicose veins in your scrotum that make it feel like a bag of worms.
As much as you might want to avoid a visit to a doctor's office, testicular pain isn't something you can disregard. There are a number of reasons why the egg-shaped sex glands in your scrotum may be hurting, and none of them are good. In many cases, trying to pretend the pain away could mean worsening your problem -- even to the point of needing surgery or getting your testicles removed. 

Possible Causes of Testicular Pain

The testicles are very sensitive. Even a minor injury can cause pain. Abdominal pain may occur before testicle pain in some conditions.
Common causes of testicle pain
include:

1. Injury

2. Infection or swelling of the sperm ducts ( epididymitis ) or testicles ( orchitis ).

3. Twisting of the testicles that can cut off the blood supply ( testicular torsion). It is most common in young men between 10 and 20 years old. It is a medical emergency that needs to be
treated as soon as possible. If surgery is performed within 6 hours, most testicles can be saved.

4. Mild pain may be caused by fluid
collection in the scrotum, such as:
Enlarged veins in the scrotum (varicocele )
Cyst in the epididymis that often contains dead sperm cells (spermatocele )
Fluid surrounding the testicle
( hydrocele )

5. Pain in the testicles may also be caused by a hernia or kidney stone.

Testicular cancer is almost always painless. But any testicle lump should be
checked out by your health care provider, whether or not there is pain.

Home Care:

Non-urgent causes of testicle pain, such as minor injuries and fluid collection, can often be treated with home care. The
following steps may reduce discomfort and swelling:

Provide support to the scrotum by wearing an athletic supporter.

Apply ice to the scrotum.

Take warm baths if there are signs of swelling.

While lying down, place a rolled towel under your scrotum.

Try over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Do NOT give aspirin to
children.

Preventive measures to take:
Prevent injury by wearing an athletic supporter during contact sports.
Follow safe sex practices. If you are diagnosed with chlamydia or another STD, all of your sexual partners need to be checked. If they are infected.
Make sure that children have received the MMR (mumps, measles, and rubella) vaccine.