What are the possible medical problems that your Testicles or Scrotum can get?

As you may be already aware, one testicle often hangs lower than the other. If you are not sure why and want to know, please watch the video at the end of this article.

Testicular cancer is likely the most known type of problem but there are also other benign (non cancerous) medical problems that can arise to testis and scrotum.  Some may be very minor while some may be life threatening.

Here are some of the important problems that you should know:

Epididymitis

Epididymis is a long tube that runs along the testis. This is an organ where sperms are stored, get matured and transported out during ejaculation. Epididymitis is inflammation or infection of the Epididymis. This infection can be caused due to Sexually Transmitted Infections, Vasectomy (birth control surgery for men), injury etc. Symptoms include mild to severe pain, swelling of the testicles or scrotum, nausea and vomiting and fever.

Hydrocele

Hydrocele is a condition when fluids fill around testicles. This can happen to one or both the testicles. Typically this condition is caused by injury, inflammation, infection of testicles or Epididymitis. Many times, this fluid gets absorbed by the body automatically and doesn’t need any treatment. This may not show any symptom either. However, if you feel that there is a swelling in your scrotum, you must talk to your sexologist and get it tested.

Testicular Torsion

Spermatic cords supplies blood to testicles and also carry semen out of the testicles. These cords get twisted and as a result, the blood supply to testicles stops. If not treated within 6 hours, most likely the person will lose his testicle. Symptoms of testicular torsion include severe pain that occurs suddenly, swelling, tenderness of the testicles and scrotum, fever, nausea and vomiting etc.

Varicocele

A condition when the veins in the scrotum get enlarged or bulged. Typically a painless and harmless condition. However, this can cause low sperm production, reduced sperm quality and can lead to male infertility. If shown, symptoms such as pain, swelling may be noticed in the scrotum. Some varicoceles don’t need treatment but some may have to be treated with surgery.

Hypogonadism

When the testicles are not able to produce enough testosterone hormone, the condition is termed as ‘Hypogonadism’. Lack of testosterone in men can cause problems like Erectile Dysfunction, Low Lobido (lack of interest in sex), infertility, osteoporosis, increased breast tissue, low muscle, less hair, depression, fatigue etc. Such a condition is typically treated with testosterone replacement therapy, unless there is an underlying condition that is stopping the body from producing the hormone naturally.

Orchitis

Inflammation of one or both testicles. Typically caused by bacterial or viral infection. ‘Mumps’ is a common cause of orchitis. STDs such as Gonorrhea, Chlamydia can also lead to orchitis when they infect the Epididymis. Symptoms include pain in testicles or scrotum, tenderness of scrotum and infertility.

Spermatocele

Also known as spermatic cyst, is a fluid filled cyst formed in the Epididymis. Small cysts may not show symptoms or cause any pain, however, if the cyst becomes large, one can notice swelling in front and on the backside of the testicle.  Surgery may be the only option to remove the cyst.

Pain in testicles

Several conditions can cause pain in testicles ranging from injury, kidney or ureteral stones, infections, hernia etc. You must definitely and immediately see a good sexologist in such cases.

Swelling of testicles

As we have read above, testicular torsion, varicocele, orchitis, epididymitis and hydrocele cause swelling of testicles. Book an appointment immediately with our sexologist as soon as you see the swelling in your testicles.

Don’t ignore any symptom that your body is giving you. Get it addressed immediately for a healthier and happier life.