How can I relieve the pain in my testicle?

Testicular pain may be related to an infection, injury, or even compromised blood flow to the testicle. For example, infections like epididymo-orchitis may need antibiotics, while testicular torsion—a twist in the spermatic cord—is very serious and needs emergency treatment. To help relieve pain while you wait for medical care, you can try a few things. First, rest and wear snug underwear or a scrotal support to reduce movement of the testicle. Next, placing a cold pack (wrapped in a cloth) on the area can help reduce pain and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen may also make you feel better, but only take these as directed by a healthcare provider. It is important to remember that these steps are only for comfort. They do not treat the underlying cause of the pain so, ultimately, an evaluation by a healthcare provider is needed. If you're experiencing testicular pain and want to better understand what might be causing it, try our free symptom checker to help determine the root cause and learn when to seek medical attention for the right treatment and to reduce complications.