Why does the testicle become enlarged and cause pain?

Enlarged and painful testicles may be related to orchitis, epididymitis, testicular torsion, varicocele, inguinal hernia and other causes. They usually present with symptoms such as redness, swelling, tenderness, and abnormal urination. It can be relieved through antibiotic treatment, surgical reduction, and scrotal band fixation.

1. Genetic factors

Varicocele has a certain familial hereditary tendency. If an immediate relative has a history of the disease, the patient may experience symptoms such as testicular swelling and tortuous superficial scrotal veins. It is recommended to avoid prolonged sitting or weight-bearing activities and use a scrotal support to reduce the feeling of falling. If symptoms persist, the need for laparoscopic high spermatic vein ligation should be evaluated.

2. Bacterial infection

Invasion of pathogens such as E. coli may cause acute orchitis, accompanied by fever and redness of the scrotal skin. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics such as cefixime granules, levofloxacin tablets, amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium dispersible tablets. During this period, you need to rest in bed and use cold compresses with towels to reduce swelling.

3. Traumatic impact

Sports collisions or straddling injuries can cause testicular hematoma, which can increase in size and cause severe pain in a short period of time. Activities should be stopped immediately and ice applied, and testicular rupture should be ruled out by ultrasound. If the hematoma is large, incision and drainage may be required. Commonly used drugs include Yunnan Baiyao Capsules, Maizhiling Tablets, etc.

4. Spermatic cord torsion

Sudden severe colic and obvious elevation of the testicle indicates torsion of the spermatic cord, and surgical reduction is required within 6 hours to avoid testicular necrosis. It is possible to try manual reduction before the operation, and use ibuprofen sustained-release capsules for analgesia after the operation, and wear tight underwear for immobilization. Delay in treatment may result in atrophy of the affected testicle.

5. Tumor lesions

Painless enlargement of testicles requires vigilance against malignant tumors such as seminoma, accompanied by symptoms such as hard texture and distension in the lower abdomen. The diagnosis requires tumor marker detection and pathological biopsy. Treatment includes radical orchiectomy combined with cisplatin injection chemotherapy, and CT scans need to be reviewed regularly after surgery.

If you have abnormally enlarged testicles and persistent pain, you should avoid strenuous exercise and wear loose cotton underwear to reduce friction. You can temporarily use soft pillows to cushion the scrotum to improve blood circulation. Do not apply heat or massage yourself. It is recommended to record the time of onset of pain and accompanying symptoms, and promptly seek medical advice from a urology department to investigate the cause. It is not advisable to use analgesics to cover up the condition before a clear diagnosis is made. Pay attention to perineal cleaning every day and avoid riding or sitting for long periods of time.