Testicular pain can be minor and short-lived, or a sign of an emergency. The key point: sudden severe pain needs immediate assessment and cannot wait.
Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Samir Ahmed Al-Samarrai, consultant urologist. Last reviewed:
Emergency cause
Testicular torsion: twisting of the spermatic cord that carries the blood supply to the testicle, causing sudden severe pain and swelling, sometimes with nausea and vomiting. It is most common in boys, teenagers and young men and needs surgery within a few hours to save the testicle.
Other common causes
- Epididymitis or orchitis: pain that builds up gradually with swelling and redness, sometimes with fever or burning urination.
- Varicocele: heaviness or dull ache that worsens on standing.
- Hydrocele: fluid around the testicle causing swelling and heaviness.
- Direct injury during sport or accidents.
- Inguinal hernia, and ureteric stones, whose pain can spread to the testicle.
Diagnosis
- Clinical examination by a urologist.
- Doppler ultrasound to check blood flow to the testicle and detect inflammation, varicocele or lumps.
- Urine test when infection is suspected.
Testicular self-examination
Men, especially young men, are advised to check both testicles once a month after a warm shower and to see a doctor for any lump, swelling, or change in size or firmness, even without pain.
When to call an ambulance
Call 998 or go to the nearest emergency department if: severe testicular pain starts suddenly, especially with swelling, nausea or vomiting, or after a hard injury with marked swelling.
Related topics
Frequently asked questions
Is sudden testicular pain an emergency?
Yes. Sudden severe pain in a testicle, especially in boys and young men, can be testicular torsion, an emergency that needs surgery within hours to save the testicle.
Does a varicocele cause pain?
It can cause heaviness or a dull ache that worsens with long standing or exertion and eases when lying down; many varicoceles cause no symptoms.
Is a lump in the testicle painful?
Usually not. Testicular tumours often appear as a painless lump, so a monthly self-check and a doctor visit for any lump or change are advised.
Book an examination to find the cause
Prof. Al-Samarrai and Dr. Amer Mousa find the cause of urinary symptoms with the right examination and tests at Prof. Al-Samarrai Medical Center in Dubai Healthcare City.
This information is for health education and does not replace a medical examination. See our medical content policy.