Which department should I go to for testicular pain?

Testicular pain is usually caused by urology or andrology, which may be caused by orchitis, epididymitis, varicocele, testicular torsion or trauma.

1. Urology

Urology is the department of choice for managing testicular pain, especially pain caused by infection or inflammation. Orchitis and epididymitis are common causes, mostly related to bacterial infection. Patients may be accompanied by symptoms such as fever and scrotal redness and swelling. Doctors usually confirm the diagnosis through urine routine and ultrasound examination, and prescribe antibiotics such as levofloxacin tablets and cefixime dispersible tablets. If combined with abnormal urination, urinary system stones or prostate disease need to be ruled out.

2. Andrology

Andrology is better suited to manage chronic pain or dysfunction related to the reproductive system. Patients with varicocele may experience testicular swelling, which worsens after standing for a long time, and scrotal ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis. Chronic prostatitis may also radiate to the testicles, accompanied by frequent urination and perineal discomfort. The andrologist may recommend the use of Maizhiling tablets to improve venous return, or in combination with physical therapy. For patients with fertility needs, the andrology department can also evaluate semen quality.

3. Emergency Department

Sudden severe testicular pain should be reported to the emergency department immediately to rule out emergencies such as testicular torsion. Testicular torsion is more common in teenagers. The pain is like a knife and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Failure to reset within 6 hours can lead to testicular necrosis. The emergency doctor quickly determined through physical examination and color Doppler ultrasound that urgent surgical reduction and fixation was needed. Testicular hematoma or rupture caused by trauma also requires emergency treatment to avoid subsequent complications.

4. General surgery

If a primary hospital does not have a urology department, general surgery can be used to treat common testicular diseases. An incarcerated inguinal hernia may compress the spermatic cord and cause pain, requiring manual reduction or surgical repair. Testicular pain combined with abdominal symptoms also needs to be differentiated from celiac diseases such as appendicitis. General surgeons can complete basic examinations, incisions and drainage and other operations, and complex cases will be referred to higher-level hospitals.

5. Pain Department

Patients with chronic and refractory testicular pain may consider a pain department. Neuropathic pain may be caused by postoperative nerve damage or shingles and manifests as persistent burning pain. Doctors may use pregabalin capsules combined with local nerve block therapy. Psychological factors such as somatization disorder also require joint intervention from pain departments and psychology departments to improve symptoms through cognitive behavioral therapy.

If you experience testicular pain, you should avoid strenuous exercise and wear loose underwear to reduce friction. In the acute stage, ice compresses can be used to relieve swelling, but self-heat compresses or massages are prohibited. Pay attention to perineal cleaning every day and avoid riding or sitting for long periods of time. If the pain does not relieve for more than 24 hours, is accompanied by hematuria or high fever, seek medical attention immediately. Regular men's physical examinations can help detect potential problems such as varicocele early.