Topic: Painful testicles
Description
One of the causes of painful testicles is a condition in which the testicle twists on its own blood supply. The testicle can die due to lack of blood supply. An operation can save the testicle.
There are many causes of pain in the testicles. Some causes are:
- Infection of the testicle and epididymis (called epididymo-orchitis). This may be due to:
- Torsion of the testicle. This is where the testicle twists on its own blood supply. The testicle is at risk of dying due to lack of blood supply. It is more common in young men but can occur at any age. This may be due to:
- Mumps
- Trauma.
Do's
Men with painful testicles should see their local doctor, family planning clinic or sexual health clinic.
If the pain has come on suddenly, see the doctor or hospital emergency department immediately.
If you think you may have been at risk of getting a sexually transmissible infection, have a sexual health check. See your doctor, family planning clinic or sexual health clinic.
Other Resources
Queensland Health Sexual Health website
Related Content
Gonorrhoea -men fact sheet
Chlamydia - men fact sheet
Mumps fact sheet
Safe Sex fact sheet
Last updated: 28th April, 2008
Review Date: 4th November, 2006
