Itchy Scrotum
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Testicle pain
Itchy scrotum
Groin rash
Groin yeast infection on skin
Lower stomach and testicle pain
Scrotum swelling
Itchy balls
Itching under scrotum
Dry cracked itchy skin on scrotum
Itchy testicles at night
Itchy scrotum and anus
Itchy bump on scrotum
About the Symptom
An irritated and itchy scrotum, also informally referred to as itchy balls, can commonly occur due to fungal infections, excess sweating, skin allergies or inflammatory skin diseases like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Scrotal pain
Possible Causes
Generally, Itchy scrotum can be related to:
- Hydrocele
A swelling of the scrotum caused by fluid collecting in the space around a testicle. It is common in newborns, older boys and men. It is often caused by inflammation, infection, injury or (much less commonly) cancer.
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Itchy scrotum may be related to these serious diseases:
- Epididymitis
Epididymitis is the swelling and inflammation of the epididymis, a tube at the back of the testicle that carries sperm. Epididymitis is most commonly caused by bacterial infections, including sexually-transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Are you experiencing scrotal itching?
- How long have you had itching in the scrotal region?
- How has the itching in the scrotal region changed over time?
- Have you experienced itching in the scrotal region before?
Reviewed By:
Kenji Taylor, MD, MSc (Family Medicine, Primary Care)
Dr. Taylor is a Japanese-African American physician who grew up and was educated in the United States but spent a considerable amount of time in Japan as a college student, working professional and now father of three. After graduating from Brown, he worked in finance first before attending medical school at Penn. He then completed a fellowship with the Centers for Disease Control before going on to specialize in Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) where he was also a chief resident. After a faculty position at Stanford, he moved with his family to Japan where he continues to see families on a military base outside of Tokyo, teach Japanese residents and serve remotely as a medical director for Roots Community Health Center. He also enjoys editing and writing podcast summaries for Hippo Education.
Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Itching in the scrotal region
- Itchiness over the testicles
- Scrotal pruritus
- Scrotal itching
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FAQs
Q.
What Causes Testicle Pain After Ejaculation?
A.
Testicle pain after ejaculation can come from issues with the pelvic floor muscles or from changes after surgeries like inguinal hernia repair. This pain, sometimes called orchalgia, happens when nerves or muscles in the area are strained.
References:
Planken E, Voorham-van der Zalm PJ, Lycklama A Nijeholt AA, Elzevier HW. Chronic testicular pain as a symptom of pelvic floor dysfunction. J Urol. 2010 Jan;183(1):177-81. doi: 10.1016/j.juro.2009.08.147. PMID: 19913802.
Tolver MA, Rosenberg J. Pain during sexual activity before and after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Surg Endosc. 2015 Dec;29(12):3722-5. doi: 10.1007/s00464-015-4143-8. Epub 2015 Mar 18. PMID: 25783834.
Updated 2023 May 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482481/
Q.
What Should I Do When I Test Negative for STDs But Still Have Testicle Pain?
A.
If STD tests come back negative but the pain in your testicle remains, it is important to follow up with a doctor who can check for other causes like blood flow problems or varicocele. Your healthcare provider might suggest additional tests or a treatment plan depending on what they find.
References:
Tanner R, Twomey M, Maher MM, Fitzgerald E, O'Connor J. A Rare Cause of Testicular Pain: Thrombosis of the Pampiniform Plexus. Ir Med J. 2016 Jan;109(1):347-8. PMID: 26904794.
Abrol N, Panda A, Kekre NS. Painful varicoceles: Role of varicocelectomy. Indian J Urol. 2014 Oct;30(4):369-73. doi: 10.4103/0970-1591.128497. PMID: 25378815; PMCID: PMC4220373.
Doubleday KL, Kulig K, Landel R. Treatment of testicular pain using conservative management of the thoracolumbar spine: a case report. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2003 Dec;84(12):1903-5. doi: 10.1016/s0003-9993(03)00283-1. PMID: 14669201.
Q.
Does Exercise Help to Relieve Testicle Pain?
A.
Some studies hint that being physically active may help reduce testicle pain after procedures like varicocelectomy, but the effect of exercise can depend on the cause of the pain and how you exercise.
References:
Kandemir E, Sezer A, Bozkurt M. Effect of physical activity level and occupation on resolution of pain after varicocelectomy: A prospective clinical study. Rev Int Androl. 2023 Oct-Dec;21(4):100372. doi: 10.1016/j.androl.2023.100372. Epub 2023 Jul 3. PMID: 37406593.
Sheehan M, Briody H, O'Neill DC, Bowden D, Davis NF, Given M, Mohan P, Lee MJ. Pain relief after varicocele embolization: The patient's perspective. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol. 2020 Apr;64(2):215-219. doi: 10.1111/1754-9485.13001. Epub 2020 Feb 11. PMID: 32048477.
Dunlay M, Gu C, Adamo D, Welch B, Packard A, Atwell T. Case series: The use of spermatic cord block in maximising patient comfort during ultrasound-guided percutaneous core-needle biopsy of the testicle. Australas J Ultrasound Med. 2023 Aug 7;26(4):267-271. doi: 10.1002/ajum.12356. PMID: 38098616; PMCID: PMC10716561.
Q.
Can Sperm Build Up Cause Testicle Pain?
A.
Sperm buildup is not usually the cause of testicle pain. Most testicular pain comes from other issues like inflammation, infection, or blockages in the normal flow of fluids.
References:
Ziegelmann MJ, Farrell MR, Levine LA. Evaluation and Management of Chronic Scrotal Content Pain-A Common Yet Poorly Understood Condition. Rev Urol. 2019;21(2-3):74-84. PMID: 31768134; PMCID: PMC6864917.
Calixte N, Brahmbhatt J, Parekattil S. Genital pain: algorithm for management. Transl Androl Urol. 2017 Apr;6(2):252-257. doi: 10.21037/tau.2017.03.03. PMID: 28540232; PMCID: PMC5422702.
Durairajanayagam D, Agarwal A, Ong C. Causes, effects and molecular mechanisms of testicular heat stress. Reprod Biomed Online. 2015 Jan;30(1):14-27. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.09.018. Epub 2014 Oct 12. PMID: 25456164.
Q.
Why Are My Scrotum and Anus Itchy?
A.
Itchy scrotum and anus can be caused by skin irritation, infections like tinea cruris, or other inflammatory skin reactions. Finding the cause is key to helping the itch get better.
References:
Swamiappan M. Anogenital Pruritus - An Overview. J Clin Diagn Res. 2016 Apr;10(4):WE01-3. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2016/18440.7703. Epub 2016 Apr 1. PMID: 27190932; PMCID: PMC4866230..
Updated 2023 Aug 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554602/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554602/
Albuquerque A. Anal pruritus: Don't look away. World J Gastrointest Endosc. 2024 Mar 16;16(3):112-116. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v16.i3.112. PMID: 38577644; PMCID: PMC10989252.
Q.
Why Is My Scrotum Itchy?
A.
Itchy scrotum can be caused by skin irritation, infections, allergies, or inflammation. Understanding the cause is important for getting the right care. Sometimes, minor issues can be treated at home, but if the problem lasts, it's important to talk with a doctor.
References:
Umaoka A, Takeuchi H, Mizutani K, Seo N, Matsushima Y, Habe K, Hagimori K, Yamaguchi Y, Ikeda T, Yamanaka K. Skin Inflammation and Testicular Function: Dermatitis Causes Male Infertility via Skin-Derived Cytokines. Biomedicines. 2020 Aug 20;8(9):293. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines8090293. PMID: 32825298; PMCID: PMC7555019.
Pomares C, Marty P, Delaunay P. Isolated itching of the genitals. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2014 Apr;90(4):589-590. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.13-0337. PMID: 24696404; PMCID: PMC3973496.
Swamiappan M. Anogenital Pruritus - An Overview. J Clin Diagn Res. 2016 Apr;10(4):WE01-3. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2016/18440.7703. Epub 2016 Apr 1. PMID: 27190932; PMCID: PMC4866230.
Q.
What Causes Dry Cracked Itchy Skin on Scrotum ?
A.
Dry, cracked, itchy skin on the scrotum can be caused by scrotal dermatitis, adverse reactions to medications, or very dry skin (xeroderma) that makes the skin more sensitive and irritated.
References:
Krishnan A, Kar S. Scrotal Dermatitis - Can we Consider it as a Separate Entity? Oman Med J. 2013 Sep;28(5):302-5. doi: 10.5001/omj.2013.91. PMID: 24044054; PMCID: PMC3769120.
Abbenante D, Kaja E, Tabanelli M, Borghi A. Regorafenib-induced scrotal eczema: a first report. Int J Dermatol. 2024 Dec 12. doi: 10.1111/ijd.17615. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39668473.
Updated 2023 Oct 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565884/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565884/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Q.
How Can I Relieve Testicle Pain Instantly?
A.
To ease testicle pain quickly, you might try simple home care like resting and using a cold compress, but it's very important to see a doctor for the right care.
References:
Updated 2023 May 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470335/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470335/
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.
Hwang AS, Costello CM, Yang YW. Rapid improvement of burning scrotum syndrome with indomethacin. JAAD Case Rep. 2021 Apr 16;12:32-33. doi: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2021.03.050. PMID: 34013013; PMCID: PMC8113988.
Q.
Why Am I Having Pain on Right Testicle and Lower Abdomen?
A.
Pain in your right testicle and lower abdomen can happen for different reasons like an infection (epididymitis), a twist in blood vessels to the testicle (testicular torsion), or irritation of a nerve (genitofemoral neuralgia). It is very important to have this pain checked by a doctor right away.
References:
McConaghy JR, Panchal B. Epididymitis: An Overview. Am Fam Physician. 2016 Nov 1;94(9):723-726. PMID: 27929243.
Pogorelić Z, Mrklić I, Jurić I. Do not forget to include testicular torsion in differential diagnosis of lower acute abdominal pain in young males. J Pediatr Urol. 2013 Dec;9(6 Pt B):1161-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2013.04.018. Epub 2013 Jun 3. PMID: 23743132.
Cesmebasi A, Yadav A, Gielecki J, Tubbs RS, Loukas M. Genitofemoral neuralgia: a review. Clin Anat. 2015 Jan;28(1):128-35. doi: 10.1002/ca.22481. Epub 2014 Nov 5. PMID: 25377757.
Q.
Why Am I Having Pain on Testicle and Lower Back?
A.
Your pain in the testicle and lower back might be related to a few different issues, such as a local testicle problem or a back problem that affects nearby nerves. It’s important to see a doctor for an evaluation.
References:
Updated 2023 May 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470335
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470335/
Chu ECP. Taming of the Testicular Pain Complicating Lumbar Disc Herniation With Spinal Manipulation. Am J Mens Health. 2020 Jul-Aug;14(4):1557988320949358. doi: 10.1177/1557988320949358. PMID: 32772625; PMCID: PMC7418242.
Bermudez DJ, Groh J. Metastatic testicular cancer presenting as lower back pain in a pilot. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2014 Nov;85(11):1136-8. doi: 10.3357/ASEM.3886.2014. PMID: 25329948.
Q.
Why Am I Having Pain on Right Testicle?
A.
Right testicle pain can be due to several reasons—like injury, infection, or other conditions—and it’s important to get checked by a doctor to identify the specific cause and the appropriate treatment.
References:
Khalid DM. Testicular pain. InnovAiT. 2024;17(2):88-94. doi:10.1177/17557380231214734
Baird DC, Meyers GJ, Hu JS. Testicular Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2018 Feb 15;97(4):261-268. PMID: 29671528.
Shaw J. Diagnosis and treatment of testicular cancer. Am Fam Physician. 2008 Feb 15;77(4):469-74. PMID: 18326165.
Q.
How Can I Relieve the Pain in My Testicle?
A.
Testicular pain can be caused by different problems. Simple measures like rest, scrotal support, and over‐the-counter pain relievers may help, but you must see a doctor to identify the underlying cause.
References:
Manavi K, Turner K, Scott GR, Stewart LH. Audit on the management of epididymoorchitis by the Department of Urology in Edinburgh. _Int J STD AIDS._ 2005;16(5):386-387.
Ludwig M. Diagnosis and therapy of acute prostatitis, epididymitis and orchitis. _Andrologia._ 2008;40(2):76-80.
Ringdahl E, Teague L. Testicular torsion. _Am Fam Physician._ 2006;74(10):1739-1743.
Q.
What Causes Pain in One Testicle?
A.
Pain in one testicle can be caused by several things, such as infections, injury, twisting of the testicle (torsion), or other causes.
References:
Polackwich AS, Arora HC, Li J, Levine L, Tojuola B, Parekattil S, Shoskes DA. Development of a clinically relevant symptom index to assess patients with chronic orchialgia/chronic scrotal content pain. Transl Androl Urol. 2018 May;7(Suppl 2):S163-S168
Calixte N, Brahmbhatt J, Parekattil S. Chronic Testicular and Groin Pain: Pathway to Relief. Curr Urol Rep. 2017 Sep 02;18(10):83.
Payne B, Brzezinski WA, Clark AV, Estrada CA, Kraemer RR. Lessons Learned from a Middle-Aged Man with Testicular Pain: Exercises in Clinical Reasoning. J Gen Intern Med. 2017 Mar;32(3):355-359. doi: 10.1007/s11606-016-3882-0. Epub 2016 Oct 24. PMID: 27778213; PMCID: PMC5330999.
Q.
Is It Common to Have Left Testicle Pain After Vasectomy?
A.
It is normal to feel some discomfort or slight pain in the left testicle after a vasectomy, but long-lasting, chronic pain is not common.
References:
Updated 2023 Apr 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549904/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549904/
Leslie TA, Illing RO, Cranston DW, Guillebaud J. The incidence of chronic scrotal pain after vasectomy: a prospective audit. BJU Int. 2007 Dec;100(6):1330-3
Singh AK, Sharma JB, Vinod, Singh PK, Singh A, Mallick N. Genetics and mapping of a new leaf rust resistance gene in Triticum aestivum L. × Triticum timopheevii Zhuk. derivative 'Selection G12'. J Genet. 2017 Jun;96(2):291-297. doi: 10.1007/s12041-017-0760-4. PMID: 28674228.
Q.
Why Is My Left Testicle Swollen With Pain?
A.
Swelling and pain in one testicle can come from different problems like testicular torsion, epididymitis, or even issues from another part of the body. It is important to get checked by a doctor quickly to find out what is causing the pain and swelling.
References:
Sharp VJ, Kieran K, Arlen AM. Testicular torsion: diagnosis, evaluation, and management. Am Fam Physician. 2013 Dec 15;88(12):835-40. PMID: 24364548.
Chen W, Wang X, Zhang J. Left scrotal swelling caused by severe acute pancreatitis in a 38-year-old Chinese male. Int J Clin Exp Med. 2015 May 15;8(5):8194-6. PMID: 26221392; PMCID: PMC4509337.
Updated 2023 Jul 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430814/
Q.
Can Too Much Sperm Cause Testicle Pain?
A.
There is no evidence that having too much sperm causes testicle pain. Testicle pain is more often linked to infections, inflammation, or injury.
References:
Ludwig M. Diagnosis and therapy of acute prostatitis, epididymitis and orchitis. _Andrologia._ 2008;40(2):76-80.
Ciftci AO, Senocak ME, Tanyel FC, Büyükpamukçu N. Clinical predictors for differential diagnosis of acute scrotum. _Eur J Pediatr Surg._ 2004;14(5):333-338.
Langan RC, Puente MEE. Scrotal Masses. Am Fam Physician. 2022 Aug;106(2):184-189. PMID: 35977130.
Q.
What Does Dull Pain in Testicle Mean?
A.
Dull pain in the testicle can be a sign of several different conditions. It sometimes occurs with issues like varicocele or mild injury, and doctors may use imaging tests to figure out the cause.
References:
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.
Barloon TJ, Weissman AM, Kahn D. Diagnostic imaging of patients with acute scrotal pain. Am Fam Physician. 1996 Apr;53(5):1734-50. PMID: 8623698.
Wampler SM, Llanes M. Common scrotal and testicular problems. Prim Care. 2010 Sep;37(3):613-26, x. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2010.04.009. PMID: 20705202.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Krishnan A, Kar S. Scrotal Dermatitis - Can we Consider it as a Separate Entity? Oman Med J. 2013 Sep;28(5):302-5. doi: 10.5001/omj.2013.91. PMID: 24044054; PMCID: PMC3769120.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3769120/