What could be causing pain in my left testicle and when should I be concerned?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain in the left testicle may signal a range of conditions, from a common varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum) to more serious concerns like epididymitis (inflammation) or testicular torsion, a medical emergency requiring immediate care. Sudden, severe, or persistent pain should never be ignored—prompt evaluation can prevent complications and protect long-term reproductive health.

Because symptoms often overlap between mild and urgent conditions, guessing can delay critical care. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to clarify possible causes based on your unique symptoms and get clear guidance on your next steps—whether that's monitoring at home or seeking urgent care.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Pain in the left testicle can have various causes. One common cause is a varicocele, which is a collection of veins in the testicle. This can cause discomfort or pain. Another possible cause is the position of the testicle; if it lies in a certain way, it can lead to pain. Other causes include testicular torsion or epididymitits and should immediately be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

When to be concerned:

Severe pain: If the pain is very strong, you should see a doctor right away.
Persistent pain: If the pain does not go away after a few days, it's a good idea to get it checked out.
Other symptoms: If you notice swelling, redness, or changes in the shape of the testicle, see a doctor immediately

It's important to pay attention to these signs and seek medical advice to ensure proper care and treatment. To help identify what might be causing your symptoms, you can check your symptoms with our free AI-powered tool.

(References)

Doubleday KL, Kulig K, & Landel R. (2003). Treatment of testicular pain using conservative .... Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 14669201.
Paick S, & Choi WS. (2019). Varicocele and Testicular Pain: A Review. The world journal of men's health, 29774668.
Schulsinger D, Glassberg K, & Strashun A. (1991). association with horizontal lie of the testicle. The Journal of urology, 2016793.

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