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Published on: 8/20/2026

Why am I having pain on left testicle?

Left testicle pain can result from several conditions, including testicular torsion (a twisted spermatic cord that cuts off blood supply), varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum), epididymitis (inflammation), infection, injury, or a hernia. Some causes, like torsion, are medical emergencies requiring immediate care, while others may resolve with treatment. Because symptoms often overlap, a proper diagnosis from a healthcare provider is essential to identify the underlying cause and prevent complications.

To better understand what may be causing your discomfort and determine how urgently you should seek care, consider taking a free, instant, online symptom check. It takes just a few minutes, asks tailored questions based on your specific symptoms, and provides personalized insights to help you navigate your next steps confidently—whether that means monitoring at home, scheduling a doctor's visit, or seeking emergency care right away.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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There are a few different things that might cause pain in your left testicle. One possibility is testicular torsion—a condition where the cord that supplies blood to the testicle becomes twisted, causing pain. Even when blood flow appears normal on examination, a twist may still be present, making immediate medical evaluation essential. Another common reason, especially on the left side, is varicocele. This condition occurs when veins in the scrotum enlarge, causing a dull, aching pain that often worsens over time. Epididymitis, an inflammation of the tube that stores and carries sperm, can also cause left-sided testicular pain, usually accompanied by swelling and tenderness. This condition often develops gradually and may be caused by infection or other inflammatory conditions. Physical trauma to the testicle, such as from sports injuries or accidents, can also cause acute pain and should be evaluated promptly. Kidney stones passing through the ureter can sometimes cause pain that radiates to the testicle area, though this is usually accompanied by other symptoms like back pain and difficulty urinating. Another possible cause is chronic orchalgia—ongoing testicular pain that can result from past injuries, inflammation, or nerve problems. If you're experiencing testicular pain and want to better understand what might be causing your symptoms, try our free AI symptom checker to help identify possible conditions before speaking with a healthcare professional about the best treatment options for you.

(References)

  • Bandarkar AN, Blask AR. Testicular torsion with preserved flow: key sonographic features and value-added approach to diagnosis. Pediatr Radiol. 2018 May;48(5):735-744. doi: 10.1007/s00247-018-4093-0. Epub 2018 Feb 21. PMID: 29468365; PMCID: PMC5895684.

  • Updated 2023 May 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482481/

  • Paick S, Choi WS. Varicocele and Testicular Pain: A Review. World J Mens Health. 2019 Jan;37(1):4-11. doi: 10.5534/wjmh.170010. Epub 2018 May 16. PMID: 29774668; PMCID: PMC6305863.

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