Swollen Testicles

About the Symptom

Enlargement of the scrotum, the sac below the penis, or the testicles, the two organs within the scrotum. Pain due to swelling in this area can range from just feeling uncomfortable to unbearable. There are many causes for scrotal and testicular swelling such as an infection or enlarging fluid filled sac within the scrotum known as a hydrocele. The most serious cause of swelling is testicular torsion, when the testicle twists and stops the blood supply to itself. This is associated with extreme testicular pain, swelling, as well as nausea and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention as delaying treatment may risk in losing the testicle.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• Swollen scrotum or testicles

Possible Causes

Generally, Swollen testicles 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.

• Testicular Tumor

  A testicular tumor is a lump or swelling on either testicle. The tumor may be benign, which doesn't spread to other parts of the body, or malignant, commonly known as cancerous, which means it can spread to other parts of the body. Testicular cancer is usually first noted as a firm lump in the testicle. New testicular lumps always need immediate evaluation by a doctor. Pain or discomfort in the affected testicle or lower abdomen might also be present. The primary risk factor is having an undescended testicle or a family history of testicular cancer.

• Varicocele

  A varicocele is a condition where the veins in your scrotum become enlarged. The exact cause is unknown, but experts believe that it may be due to defective valves in the veins within your scrotum. The valves regulate the flow of blood to and from the testicles. It may also occur from compression of a vein by nearby structures. Varicoceles may lead to decreased sperm production and quality as well as dull achy pain after standing for long periods.

• Filariasis
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
• Inguinal Hernia

Related Serious Diseases

Sometimes, Swollen testicles 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.

• Testicular Torsion
• Heart Failure

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Are your testicles or scrotum swollen?
• How long have you had swelling in testicles or scrotum?
• How has the swelling in the testicles or scrotum changed since it started?
• Are your testicles swollen and have they changed color?

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