What is the cause of testicular swelling and pain?

Testicular swelling and pain may be caused by orchitis, epididymitis, varicocele, testicular torsion, trauma and other factors. Testicular swelling and pain usually manifests as scrotal swelling and pain radiating to the groin or lower abdomen, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as fever and abnormal urination.

1. Orchitis

Orchitis may be related to bacterial or viral infection and usually manifests as unilateral or bilateral testicular swelling and pain, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as fever and chills. Treatment requires the use of antibiotics such as levofloxacin tablets, cefixime dispersible tablets, etc. as directed by the doctor. In severe cases, intravenous administration is required. In the acute stage, you should rest in bed and use a scrotal support to reduce the feeling of swelling.

2. Epididymitis

Epididymitis is often caused by the spread of urinary tract infection and manifests as epididymal induration with severe tenderness that may radiate to the waist and abdomen. Treatment requires the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics such as azithromycin capsules and doxycycline hydrochloride tablets, along with local hot compresses to relieve symptoms. Chronic epididymitis may require surgical removal of the lesions.

3. Varicocele

Varicocele is related to venous valve insufficiency, which manifests as scrotal swelling that worsens after standing for a long time and is relieved by lying down. Mild cases can be improved by wearing supportive underwear, while moderate to severe cases require high spermatic vein ligation. It may affect sperm quality, and men of childbearing age should intervene early.

4. Testicular torsion

Testicular torsion is an emergency. It is related to the interruption of blood supply caused by the rotation of the spermatic cord. It causes sudden severe pain and the lifting of the testicular position. If it is not reset within 6 hours, it may become necrotic. Immediate surgical reduction and fixation is required after diagnosis, and both testicles must be fixed simultaneously to prevent recurrence. The disease is more common in adolescent males after strenuous exercise.

5. Trauma

Testicular trauma is mostly caused by impact or sports injuries, manifesting as local hematoma and severe pain. Mild injuries can be treated with cold compresses and ibuprofen sustained-release capsules for pain relief. Severe hematomas require surgical removal. Testicular rupture needs to be ruled out after trauma, and ultrasound examination can clarify the extent of the injury.

If you experience testicular swelling and pain, you should avoid strenuous exercise and long-term cycling, and wear loose cotton underwear to reduce friction. The diet should be light and limit the intake of spicy foods. If the pain lasts for more than 24 hours or is accompanied by fever, hematuria and other symptoms, you must seek medical attention immediately to check for serious illness. Daily attention to perineal hygiene and timely urination after sex can help prevent testicular lesions caused by urinary system infections.