The health of the organs of the male reproductive system depends on many factors. Deviations in their functioning can be caused not only by internal disturbances, but also by mechanical damage. The most vulnerable testicles are the paired glands that produce male hormones and sperm. When they are injured, the ability to produce these substances is impaired, which affects not only sexual ability and fertility, but also the general state of health.
Basic functions of the testicles
The testicles, also called testicles or testicles, are the glands of the male sex. Each of them is located in the scrotum - its right and left parts. The testicles are attached to the sperm threads, which are made up of muscles, nerves, lymphatics, and blood vessels. The right testicle is slightly higher than the left.
The testicles are made up of soft tissue that divides into thin lobes with thin connective tissue. In them are located the semen-producing tubes where sperm are produced and between them the process of producing the hormone testosterone takes place.
The constant formation of male gametes enables the process of egg fertilization. The production of testosterone in the testicles is also very important for men's health, as this hormone is responsible for the growth of the body and muscles, the development of the whole organism according to the male type, and the formation of sexual intercourse. Desire.
When the testicles are damaged for any reason, the ability to produce hormones and germ cells decreases. It can happen at any age. To avoid complications you should immediately consult a doctor if you experience pain in the testicles.
Why do my testicles hurt?
The causes of testicular pain in men are numerous. They can be both relatively harmless, associated with defective ejaculation after arousal, and dangerous, resulting in the development of malignant tumors or trauma to the external genitalia.
The causes of testicular pain are as follows:
- Damage to the perineum or scrotum. If the blow or bruise was not very intense, the pain in the testicle is sharp but passes quickly. At the same time, even minor mechanical impacts contribute to bruising in the groin cavity, causing its skin to become red and thick. Such events pass in a few days. Severe damage violates the integrity of the testicles. The pain in this case is so pronounced and painful that the victim may lose consciousness. Severe injury can lead to the fact that the gonad completely loses its functions - in the future it is full of infertility;
- Inflammatory processes in the testicles or their appendages. It can be epididymitis caused by the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the epididymis. In this case the patient complains not only of pain but also of swelling of the testicles. Also, an abnormal process can occur as a result of inflammation of the glandular tissue. This phenomenon is called orchitis. This disease, which is a complication of influenza, gonorrhea, and others, can affect one or both testicles at the same time and cause infertility. During orchitis, the skin of the testicles becomes red, the scrotum is swollen, the man has a fever, general weakness and constant thirst;
- Abstinence. In this case, the pain of attracting the testicles in men occurs due to the fact that during arousal the penis is filled with blood and the duct system is activated - all this indicates a readiness for ejaculation. If this does not happen, unpleasant sensations appear in the testicles. Unlike cases where the pain is caused by abnormal processes, discomfort in the testicles during prolonged abstinence is not accompanied by general weakness, loss of appetite, dizziness and discoloration of the urine. This problem does not require treatment, it can be solved both sexually and through masturbation. Another way to eliminate discomfort is to take an analgesic tablet;
- Frequent cessation of sexual intercourse or lack of ejaculation after prolonged arousal, neurological pathologies and inflammatory diseases of the digestive system - all these factors can explain why the testicles ache after sex;
- Varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of the veins and blood vessels of the penis due to their failure. This disease is often encountered by adolescents in adolescence. If the testicle hurts for this very reason, then the disease is at an advanced stage and it is full of organ amputation. Varicocele is also accompanied by an increase in the size of one half of the scrotum;
- Adult hernia. During the disorder, severe pain is observed, a specific rash in the groin area that increases during physical activity and takes on its former shape after taking a horizontal position. If the contents of the hernia are not disrupted, a dull pain arises that radiates to the abdomen, side, region of the lower limb;
- Hydrocele, or hydrocele. This phenomenon is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the membranes of the testicles, which is associated with circulatory disorders. The disease can be hereditary or occur with inflammatory pathologies, the development of tumors, after damage to the external genitalia. If the testicle is enlarged, then the presence of a hydrocele may be suspected. Another symptom characteristic of this pathology is sharp pain that occurs when touching the testicles;
- Testicular rotation. This phenomenon is usually found in boys aged 7-10 years and is characterized by spermatic cord twisting, which causes local blood flow to be blocked and the duct to constrict. Pain in this case occurs in only one testicle. Unpleasant sensations are exacerbated by walking or pressing on the injured area. There may be redness of the scrotum and swelling of one of its sides, as well as a burning sensation. Such deviation is corrected either by external reduction of the testicle, or by the use of surgical methods;
- Development of malignant tumors. The pathological process can spread to both glandular tissue and excretory ducts. In this case, the testicles in men only hurt when the neoplasm has become large;
- Inflammation of the prostate. If the testicles are sore during prostatitis, then this is one of the leading symptoms of the disease;
- Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs cause pain in men in the lower abdomen and testicles;
- Hypothermia. Exposure to low temperatures can result in testicular pain in men. In some cases, an increase in body temperature is observed.
If a man notices pain in the testicles, as well as changes in their appearance - an increase in their size, redness, swelling - you should immediately consult a doctor to identify the cause of the abnormal manifestation as soon as possible and begin appropriate treatment.
Characteristic signs of pain
The nature of the pain in the area of the testicle is of great importance in the diagnostic process. Depending on where it radiates, preliminary conclusions can be drawn about the nature of the origin of the unpleasant sensations.
- If the pain radiates to the lumbar region or abdomen, there is a suspicion of an inflammatory process occurring in the epididymis;
- If the pain radiates sideways, urolithiasis or inguinal hernia may develop;
- When pain radiates to the lower extremities, it is unlikely that the spermatic cord will swell or the testicle will bleed, leading to bleeding into it.
If the testicles are red and you feel pain and discomfort in them, you should immediately undergo diagnostic measures prescribed by your doctor. Delay in this case can lead to infertility as the ejaculate does not contain motile spermatozoon, impaired potency or penile amputation.
Diagnostic measures
Diagnosis of painful and stretched cases of the testicle is made by a urologist and andrologist. Men should go through the following activities:
- A general blood test that allows a specialist to detect the inflammatory process;
- Sperm analysis to determine the presence and type of pathogenic microorganisms in infections;
- Spermogram analysis, which allows you to assess sperm activity and detect bacteria;
- Ultrasound of the scrotum, which allows you to diagnose tumor neoplasms;
- Taking a smear from the urethra to identify pathogens;
- Puncture (puncture biopsy) to determine the nature of diseases of the testicles, appendages;
- Palpation to detect tumors or enlargement of the testicles;
- To detect ultrasound tumors of the kidneys and urinary tract that obstruct the outflow of urine;
- CT and MRI to rule out misdiagnosis.
It is not recommended for the patient to take painkillers, warm-up or cooling procedures before taking diagnostic measures.
Treatment methods
Treatment of pain in the testicles depends on the cause of the discomfort. Therapy can be based on medication, special procedures or surgery.
Table 1. Methods of treatment of pain in the testicles
| reason | Treatment |
| Mild hemorrhage of the vulva |
|
| Infectious diseases caused by the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the scrotal organs |
|
| Varicocele |
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| Tumor | Tumor removal with radiation therapy or surgical removal of a damaged organ. If metastases are detected, chemotherapy is needed. |
| Testicular rotation | Dissection of the testicle, assessment of the viability of the testicle and its further correction or removal. The use of analgesics has been shown in the postoperative period. |
| Extensive hematomas | Drainage of damaged areas, removal of unstable tissues and suturing of defects. |
It is not recommended to use folk remedies to eliminate genital pain, because such an alarming symptom requires careful diagnosis. However, there are a few steps you can take while waiting for your doctor to help alleviate the discomfort caused by a small bump or bruise. At home you can apply an ice pack on the painful side or do a light massage using an anesthetic cream, but it is best not to touch the damaged area until you have contacted a specialist.
To prevent pain in an exposed organ such as the testicles, you should:
- Timely elimination of abnormalities in the structure of the genitals;
- Undergo regular examinations by a urologist to detect asymptomatic pathologies at an early stage of development;
- Have a regular sex life and use barrier contraceptives if your partner is unstable;
- Wear underwear that does not constrict the organs and does not impede blood circulation;
- Normalization of drinking regime and nutrition;
- Avoid the possibility of traumatic impact on the scrotum.
The condition of the testicles directly affects not only a man's reproductive abilities, but also the general state of his health. To prevent adverse effects it is necessary to minimize the risk of external factors affecting the testicles, as well as timely treatment of existing diseases, which can adversely affect their condition.