Testicular torsion is a medical emergency and is usually accompanied by severe pain. It is caused when the spermatic cord, which provides blood to the testicles, is twisted. This prevents blood from flowing to the testes, resulting in severe pain.
The pain associated with testicular torsion typically comes on suddenly and can worsen with movement. It can be so severe that it is described as excruciating, and may last from minutes to hours. It can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, swelling, and sensitivity to the touch in the affected area.
Treatment for testicular torsion is urgent and involves untwisting the spermatic cord. Untreated testicular torsion can lead to the loss of an affected testicle and can even be life-threatening.
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How badly does a testicular torsion hurt?
Testicular torsion can be extremely painful. The pain will typically start in the stomach area and travel to the testicles. It has been described as a sharp, shooting pain, and can be intense. Pain may continuously worsen over time, and can make standing, walking, or sitting uncomfortable.
The scrotum may be very tender to the touch and may swell. In some cases, nausea and vomiting may occur. It is essential to see a physician right away if any of these symptoms are occurring so that the condition can be treated quickly.
With prompt medical attention, testicular torsion can be corrected and a complete recovery is possible.
What can be mistaken as testicular torsion?
Testicular torsion can be mistaken for other conditions that cause pain in the testicles such as epididymitis and orchitis, or inflammation of the epididymis or testicle, respectively. It can also be confused with trauma to the scrotum or testicles such as blunt or penetrating force.
Additionally, testicular torsion can be mistaken with a hernia, hydrocele, spermatocele, varicocele, or an inguinal hernia.
For any of these conditions, medical care is necessary for diagnosis. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound to diagnose the underlying condition and determine the best course of treatment for each individual case.
What does a twisted testicle feel like?
Depending on the cause of your twisted testicle, the sensation that you feel can vary. If the twisting is due to an inguinal hernia, you may experience a burning or pulling sensation in the lower abdomen, especially when you cough or strain your abdominal muscles.
Depending on the severity of the hernia, you may also feel a palpable lump in the area. If the twisting is due to a condition called testicular torsion, you may feel an extreme, sudden pain in the affected testicle, which may worsen with movement.
You may also have swelling and discoloration of the affected testicle, and nausea and vomiting. Because testicular torsion can lead to infertility if not treated promptly, it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience these symptoms.
When should you go to ER for testicular torsion?
Testicular torsion is a serious condition that needs to be seen immediately by a medical professional. If you experience sudden and intense pain in one or both of your testicles, fever, nausea, vomiting, and/or swelling in the scrotum, you should seek medical help right away.
The only way to accurately diagnose and treat testicular torsion is through a physical examination by a doctor. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should visit the emergency room (ER). A prompt visit is important, as delaying treatment can permanently damage the affected testicle.
Prompt ER care will give you the best chance at preserving the affected testicle.
The doctor in the ER may perform an ultrasound to determine the severity of the torsion and will likely suggest surgical treatment, which is the only way to treat it. During the surgery, the doctor will untwist the testicle, then reposition and anchor it to the scrotum in order to prevent it from being twisted again in the future.
After the surgery, you may need to make lifestyle changes, such as wearing an athletic supporter or a jockstrap, to provide extra support and prevent further injury.
Is testicular torsion something to worry about?
Yes, testicular torsion is something to be worried about. Testicular torsion is a condition in which the spermatic cord- which supplies blood to the testicles- becomes twisted, resulting in decreased and/or lack of blood supply to the testicles.
This can cause significant damage to the testicles if not promptly treated. Symptoms of testicular torsion usually include sudden and severe pain, swelling, and redness in the scrotum, as well as nausea, vomiting, and an inability to get an erection.
If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to seek medical help immediately. In severe cases, the affected testicle may need to be surgically detached and reattached in order to restore its blood supply.
Treatment for testicular torsion must be done quickly in order to prevent lasting damage or the loss of a testicle.
Can testicular torsion just go away?
No, testicular torsion cannot just “go away” on its own. Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord — which contains arteries and veins that supply blood to the testicles — twists and cuts off the blood flow.
Without prompt medical attention, the lack of blood supply to the testicles can cause permanent damage to the tissue and even loss of the testicle.
If testicular torsion is suspected, it’s important to visit a medical professional as soon as possible. Such as a physical exam, to determine if torsion has occurred. Your doctor might also order imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan, which can detect the exact location of the twisted cord.
Treatment of torsion usually requires manual manipulation of the testicle to relieve the twisting, followed by surgical intervention.
It’s important to remember that testicular torsion is a medical emergency and cannot be resolved without prompt medical attention. The sooner you receive treatment, the more likely it is that you can avoid permanent damage and preserve your testicles.
How to differentiate between testicular torsion and epididymitis?
Testicular torsion and epididymitis are two different conditions that affect the testes. Testicular torsion is a medical emergency that occurs when the spermatic cord, which provides blood to the scrotum, becomes twisted.
This can happen due to an injury or physical activity, and it cuts off the blood supply to the testes. Symptoms include sudden, severe pain in the scrotum, swelling in the scrotum, nausea and vomiting.
Epididymitis is an inflammation or infection of the epididymis, a tube located behind each testicle that collects and transports sperm. Symptoms include swelling and pain in the scrotum, tenderness and pain with touching the testicles, pain with ejaculation, a burning sensation while urinating, and a discharge from the penis.
To differentiate between testicular torsion and epididymitis, the most important factor to consider is the sudden onset of pain. Testicular torsion usually causes sudden, severe pain in the scrotum, while epididymitis usually causes a more gradual onset of pain that worsens over time.
The location of the pain can also be a helpful indicator. Testicular torsion usually occurs in the lower portion of the scrotum, while epididymitis is more common in the upper portion of the scrotum.
Additionally, epididymitis commonly causes a discharge from the penis and pain with ejaculation, which are not typically associated with testicular torsion. It is important to seek medical help for both conditions as soon as possible.
