Common Concern
Testicular & Scrotal Concerns
Testicular pain, scrotal swelling, or a new lump can be stressful. Many causes are benign, but some symptoms need prompt evaluation, so the first step is sorting out the pattern and urgency.
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Scrotal Concerns at a Glance
Common Symptoms
- Testicular or scrotal pain
- Swelling or heaviness
- A lump or change in shape
- Redness, tenderness, or fever
Common Causes
- Hydrocele
- Spermatocele
- Varicocele
- Epididymitis or orchitis
Evaluation May Include
- History and exam
- Urine testing
- Scrotal ultrasound
- Infection testing when appropriate
The Most Important Thing to Remember
The timing matters. Sudden severe testicular pain, especially with nausea, swelling, or a high-riding testicle, needs urgent evaluation because testicular torsion is an emergency.
Slower or chronic symptoms are still worth evaluating, but the conversation is different from a sudden acute scrotum.
Common Office Conversations
The goal is to separate urgent problems from common benign conditions and infections that need a clear treatment plan.
Pain
Pain can come from infection, inflammation, injury, referred pain, varicocele, prior surgery, or rarely an emergency such as torsion. Sudden severe pain should not be watched at home.
Swelling or a Lump
Swelling may come from fluid, veins, cysts, infection, hernia, or a testicular mass. Ultrasound is often useful when the exam does not fully answer the question.
Hydrocele, Spermatocele, Varicocele
These are common structural findings. Some can be observed, while others are treated if they cause pain, size concerns, fertility concerns, or significant bother.
Epididymitis and Orchitis
Infection or inflammation can cause pain, tenderness, swelling, and sometimes urinary symptoms or fever. Treatment depends on the likely cause and the patient's age and risk factors.
When to Seek Prompt Evaluation
Prompt evaluation is important for sudden severe pain, rapidly worsening swelling, fever, nausea or vomiting with testicular pain, trauma, or a new firm testicular lump.
This page is being expanded with additional patient education and treatment information.