Testicle Swelling

As most men can attest, experiencing swollen testicles is both painful and upsetting. What’s more, noticing testicle swelling without explanation can be a frightening experience. Some conditions that contribute to groin swelling aren’t serious at all, but others are quite harmful and may require medical attention to treat.

What Causes Swollen Testicles?

External Injuries

Getting hit in or around the groin can cause a great amount of pain and lead to swelling of the testicles. These injuries aren’t typically hazardous, though, and the swelling should subside within a matter of minutes or hours. If applying an ice pack doesn’t reduce the swelling, you may want to consult a doctor.

Inguinal Hernia

Hernias occur when an internal part of the body (in this instance, the intestines) pushes up against the skin. This causes discomfort and a gorge-like swelling. Inguinal hernias may affect the testicles directly, or the groin region in general.

Testicular Torsions

A torsion is a twisting of the testicular sac that cuts off blood flow from the spermatic cord. Not only is this condition excruciatingly painful, but the lack of blood flow could lead to necrosis and the loss of one or both testicles. Seek medical attention immediately to prevent this because surgery is required.

Benign Lumps, Cysts

Spermatoceles, hydroceles, varicoceles, and other small sacs or scrotal masses don’t present a major health threat, but they can cause a good degree of pain and also swelling of the testicles. The symptoms of these conditions are generally restricted to a small sac that forms on the groin.

Testicular Cancer

Cancerous tumors that form on the testicles don’t necessarily contribute to swelling, nor do they typically cause acute pain. Nevertheless, you should consult a doctor if you notice a lump (or lumps) on your testicles because testicular cancer can be life-threatening.

STDs & Groin Swelling

STDs don’t normally generate testicular swelling on their own. However, both chlamydia and gonorrhea will commonly cause a condition called epididymitis –– which is an inflammation of the tube at the back of the testicles. This can lead to swelling, pain during urination, and general discomfort. The good news is, both chlamydia and gonorrhea are curable with the administration of antibiotics.

How to Make Swelling Go Down Fast

As mentioned above, cold temperatures may help to reduce swelling in injuries caused by external factors. However, for more serious medical conditions (like torsions, hernias, tumors, or STDs) the best, and only way, to address the issue is to consult a medical professional. Resist the urge to use home remedies and never try to “express” a swollen area on your groin.