Yes, testicular torsion can occur over a number of days. However, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible because the longer testicular torsion goes untreated, the more likely it is that the blood supply to the testicles will be cut off, resulting in tissue death.
Testicular torsion usually occurs in males under the age of 18 and is an emergency due to the risk of permanent tissue damage. Symptoms may include sudden and severe pain in one or both testicles, nausea, vomiting, and swelling in one or both testicles.
If testicular torsion is suspected, a physical exam and imaging tests such as an ultrasound may be necessary to diagnose the condition. Treatment will depend on the severity of the condition, but may involve surgical repair of the spermatic cord twisting to restore blood flow to the testicles.
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How long can testicular torsion last?
Testicular torsion typically lasts anywhere from 6 to 12 hours. In some cases, the condition is resolved in only a few minutes. However, if it is left untreated for more than this timeframe, there is a risk of permanent damage.
In severe cases, complete loss of the affected testicle can occur. That’s why it is important to seek medical attention for any sudden, severe pain in the groin or scrotum. If the torsion is not treated, the patient is at risk of having decreased fertility and/or losing the testicle entirely.
In order to treat testicular torsion, the doctor must reduce the torsion, meaning that the spermatic cord must be untwisted. This can be done by manual manipulation in some cases, but it is more often accomplished through a surgical procedure called an orchidopexy.
This surgery is typically done under general anesthesia and is considered to be a safe and effective way to treat torsion.
How long can you go without treating testicular torsion?
If the testicular torsion is left untreated, testicular atrophy may begin to take effect within two to four hours and may be irreversible in as little as six hours after the onset of symptoms. If treatment is delayed beyond this time frame, it may lead to necrosis (cell death) of the testicle due to the twisting cutting off blood supply.
It is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible if you suspect testicular torsion.
Does testicular torsion hurt all the time?
No, testicular torsion typically causes intermittent pain that can come and go, rather than a constant, chronic pain. At the onset, the pain can be sudden and severe, and is often on one side of the groin or lower abdomen.
It may feel like relative discomfort, cramping, throbbing, aching, or tightness in the affected area. Pain may be relieved or worsened by changes in position, such as standing up, lying down, or moving around.
Patients with testicular torsion usually describe an intense, severe testicular pain that can become intense when the scrotum is palpated. They may also feel queasy and vomit or be unable to urinate.
Additional symptoms can include swelling in the scrotum, accumulation of fluid, or a lump in the groin. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect torsion, as prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential to preserve the testicle.
What can be mistaken for testicular torsion?
These conditions include epididymitis, which is an infection or inflammation of the epididymis (the coiled tube located at the top of the testicles). It can cause pain, swelling, and discomfort in the scrotum, which can be mistaken for the symptoms of testicular torsion.
Inguinal hernia is another condition that can be mistaken for testicular torsion. This condition involves the protrusion of part of the intestine or other tissue from the abdominal wall into the scrotum and may cause pain in the affected area.
Varicocele is a condition in which the veins of the testicles become abnormally enlarged, which can present similar symptoms to testicular torsion. Finally, hydrocele is an accumulation of fluid in the scrotal sac, which can cause pain and discomfort and be mistaken for testicular torsion.
It is important to note that even though these conditions may cause similar symptoms to testicular torsion, they must be treated differently, so it is important to make sure to get the correct diagnosis from a physician to ensure proper treatment.
Is it hard to walk with testicular torsion?
Walking with testicular torsion can be quite uncomfortable – it may cause sensations of pain and pressure in the testicles and the scrotum. The pain can worsen the more active you are, causing you to limp when you walk and move slowly to minimize pain.
You may also experience other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness due to the sudden onset of pain. It is best to seek medical advice if you’re having these symptoms as testicular torsion must be treated immediately to avoid tissue damage or loss of the affected testicle.
Is testicular torsion pain intermittent?
No, testicular torsion pain is typically constant and highly severe pain, although some patients report feeling a dull ache or pausing briefly before the pain resumes. Testicular torsion occurs when a testicle rotates, twisting the spermatic cord which can interrupt blood flow to the testicle.
The pain and symptoms typically start suddenly and get progressively worse over time, making it difficult to ignore. Symptoms of testicular torsion include sudden and severe pain in the testicles, scrotal swelling and tenderness, nausea, vomiting and an inability to get comfortable due to the intensity of the pain.
Prompt treatment is needed to restore the blood flow to the testicles, so if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
What happens if testicular torsion goes untreated for a week?
If testicular torsion goes untreated for a week, it can cause serious damage to the testicles. As testicular torsion occurs when the testicles twist inside the scrotum, cutting off the blood supply, a lack of treatment can mean that the testicles are not getting enough oxygen and nutrients, which can cause tissue death.
In some cases, the entire testicle can be lost if left untreated for too long. The remaining testicle could also be weakened, leading to difficulties with fertility and other medical issues. The severity of the effects of testicular torsion will depend on how much of the tissue is damaged.
Furthermore, if the blood supply is not re-established quickly enough, scar tissue will form, which can further reduce fertility. This can be an especially serious issue in men who have just reached reproductive age.
In short, if testicular torsion goes untreated for a week, it can cause serious problems and long-term effects. Thus, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if any signs of testicular torsion appear.
Does testicular torsion pain go away when laying down?
No, testicular torsion pain typically does not go away when laying down. Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord, the tissue that holds the testicle in place, becomes twisted. The twisting cuts off blood flow to the testicle and is usually very painful.
This pain may be severe, like a cramping or stabbing sensation, and typically won’t get better when a person lays down. In fact, the pain may become worse. If a person notices this type of pain, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible because if left untreated, the testicle may not receive enough oxygen and may become damaged.
