Testicular Disorders: Causes & Treatments Every Man Should Know!
A crucial but often neglected area of men’s health is testicular health. Testicular issues may vary from minimal pain to conditions that are fatal and require instant medical attention. Although many men know of conditions such as testicular cancer, torsion, or pain, they may not be entirely aware of the causes or remedies.
We will discuss the symptoms to look for, the leading causes of testicular diseases, and the treatment options in this guide. Let’s discuss some vital testicular health facts about all men.
What Are Testicular Disorders?
Testicular disorders are any kind of medical condition that occurs in the testes, which are male reproductive glands that produce sperm and the hormone testosterone. Certain disorders will affect the testes’ structure or function, causing issues like pain, swelling, or the inability to conceive.
Common Causes of Testicular Disorders Understanding the potential causes of testicular problems is crucial for early detection and treatment. Below are some of the most common causes of testicular disorders:
1. Testicular Pain Causes
Testicular pain can be sharp, dull, or a throbbing sensation, and it can be due to a variety of causes. The most common causes include:
- Epididymitis: This condition refers to inflammation of the epididymis (a tube that stores sperm) and is often caused by a bacterial infection, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or urinary tract infection (UTI). It can lead to swelling, pain, and sometimes fever.
- Orchitis: Infection of the testicle itself, most commonly a viral infection (such as mumps), may result in pain and discomfort. It may also lead to swelling and a sense of heaviness in the scrotum.
- Trauma or Injury: A kick in the groin or testicular trauma can result in sudden, severe pain, swelling, and bruising. Although temporary in nature, injury to the testicles can result in damage that is permanent if treatment does not occur.
2. Testicular Cancer Symptoms
Testicular cancer is a dangerous but fairly uncommon disease in men, usually between the ages of 15 and 35. Testicular cancer symptoms can be subtle, and many are not apparent at first glance. Typical symptoms include:
- Lump or swelling: The most frequent symptom of testicular cancer is a lump or swelling in the testicle with no pain. The lump may be firm and alter the shape or size of the testicle.
- Pain or discomfort: Although testicular cancer usually has no pain, some men feel a dull ache or discomfort in the lower abdomen or scrotum. This pain can become more frequent over time.
- Heavy feeling: A dragging or a heaviness feeling in the scrotum is a less frequent but significant symptom of testicular cancer.
- Change in size or shape: Testicles can feel large or firmer than normal if there is growth from cancer.
3. Treatment for Testicular Torsion
Testicular torsion is a medical emergency that happens when the spermatic cord, which supplies blood to the testicle, twists. This severs the blood supply to the testicle and results in severe pain and swelling.
Testicular torsion usually happens in adolescent men but can happen to men of any age. Symptoms are:
- Sudden and severe pain in one testicle
- Swelling or tenderness in the scrotum
- Nausea and vomiting
If not treated, testicular torsion may result in loss of the testicle. The sooner treatment occurs, the better, and treatment usually involves surgery to unwind the spermatic cord and restore circulation. In some instances, if the testicle has been too long without circulation, it may have to be removed.
Diagnosing Testicular Disorders
When having testicular pain or any of the above-mentioned symptoms, medical attention should be sought immediately. For testicular disorders to be diagnosed, a medical professional might do:
- Physical examination: This is usually the initial step in the diagnosis of testicular disorders. The physician will check the testicles and scrotum for swelling, lump, or tenderness.
- Ultrasound: An ultrasound of the scrotum is an imaging procedure that doesn’t involve breaking the skin and offers clear pictures of the testicles. It may be used to identify conditions such as testicular torsion, tumors, or other abnormalities.
- Blood tests: In case testicular cancer is suspected, blood tests can be done to look for high levels of tumor markers such as AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) or hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
- Urine tests: In cases of epididymitis or orchitis, urine tests can be conducted to identify infections or bacteria.
Treatments for Testicular Disorders
Treatment for testicular disorders is different based on the underlying condition. Here’s a summary of common treatments for some of the most common disorders:
1. Treating Testicular Pain
Treatment for testicular pain is based on the cause of the pain:
Antibiotics: If the pain is due to an infection such as epididymitis or orchitis, antibiotics will be recommended to cure the infection. In the case of an STI, certain antibiotics will be administered to treat the infection.
Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may ease pain and inflammation.
Rest and support: Resting and using supportive underwear or a jockstrap may relieve discomfort and avoid further stressing the testicles.
2. Treatment for Testicular Cancer
Treatment for testicular cancer is usually surgery and can include radiation therapy or chemotherapy:
- Orchiectomy: The main treatment for testicular cancer is the removal of the diseased testicle by a procedure known as orchiectomy. This procedure is usually carried out by an incision in the groin.
- Chemotherapy and Radiation: Chemotherapy or radiation therapy can be used to treat cancer cells that have spread beyond the testicle, depending on the stage and type of cancer.
- Follow-up care: Regular follow-up visits are required after treatment to check for recurrence of cancer and overall health.
3. Treatment of Testicular Torsion
Testicular torsion is an emergency condition that needs to be treated immediately. The primary treatment for testicular torsion is:
- Surgical treatment: Surgery is usually necessary to untwist the spermatic cord and reestablish blood supply to the involved testicle. The sooner the surgery is done, the better the chances of salvaging the testicle. If the testicle cannot be repaired, it will have to be removed.
- Orchidopexy: In others, the good testicle is also operated on to avoid future torsion from taking place. This operation, called orchidopexy, is where both testicles are fixed in place inside the scrotum.
When to See a Doctor
If you notice any of the following, it’s necessary to see a doctor:
- Sudden severe testicular pain
- A lump or swelling in the testicles
- Persistent heaviness or discomfort in the scrotum
- Nausea, vomiting, or fever with testicular pain
The earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better the chances of preventing complications and achieving the best outcome for your testicular health.
Preventing Testicular Disorders
Although no testicular disorders are preventable, some measures can be taken to help safeguard your testicular health:
- Monthly testicular exams: Do monthly testicular exams to look for any abnormal lumps, swelling, or size changes. Early detection can greatly impact treatment, particularly for testicular cancer.
- Wear protective equipment: If you engage in contact sports or are at risk of injury, always wear protective equipment like a cup or athletic supporter to shield your testicles from injury.
- Practice safe sex: Practice protection during sex to minimize the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that cause diseases such as epididymitis or orchitis.
Final Thoughts
Testicular illnesses, while commonly uncomfortable or even frightening, are usually treatable with timely treatment. Knowledge of the causes, awareness of the symptoms, and early medical treatment can allow men to continue having healthy testicles and avoid serious complications in the future. If you have any unusual discomfort or pain, don’t delay calling a healthcare provider. Your testicular health is important to your overall health—don’t overlook it!