Testicle Pain
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Testicle pain may start in your scrotum and spread to your abdomen. You may have sharp, sudden pain or dull pain that happens over time. Your testicle pain may come and go, or it may last for a long time. The cause of your pain may be unknown. Testicle pain can be caused by infection, trauma, hernia, kidney stones, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You may have a painful lump in your scrotum. The lump may be caused by an enlarged vein or fluid that collects around one of your testicles. This lump also may be caused by a more serious medical condition. Part of your testicle may twist. This is a serious condition that needs treatment as soon as possible.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Medicines:
- Antibiotics: This medicine helps fight or prevent infection. Take your antibiotics until they are gone, even if you feel better.
- Pain medicine: You may be given a prescription medicine to decrease pain. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take this medicine.
- NSAIDs: These medicines decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs are available without a doctor's order. Ask your healthcare provider which medicine is right for you. Ask how much to take and when to take it. Take as directed. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding and kidney problems if not taken correctly.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Decrease discomfort:
With treatment, your pain may improve within 1 to 3 days. Depending on the cause of your testicle pain, your condition may take up to 4 weeks to heal.
- Rest: Limit your activity until your pain decreases. Get more rest while you heal. Do not sit for long periods of time.
- Cold packs: Place cold packs on your testicles to help ease your pain. Use cold packs as directed.
- Elevation: Gently tuck a folded towel under your testicles to lift them as you sit in a chair or lie in bed. This will help ease your pain and decrease swelling.
Follow up with your healthcare provider or urologist in 3 to 7 days:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
Sexual activity:
Avoid sexual activity until you have finished your antibiotics or until your healthcare provider tells you it is safe to have sex. Use condoms to lower your risk of STIs.
Contact your healthcare provider or urologist if:
- You feel that your medicine or treatment is not working.
- You feel more pain, tenderness, or swelling than before.
- You have nausea or a low fever.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Return to the emergency department if:
- You have sudden or severe pain in your testicles or abdomen.
- You have pain in both testicles.
- You are vomiting.
- You have a high fever.
- Your pain increases when you elevate your testicles.
- Your scrotum turns blue. This could mean your testicle is not getting the blood flow it needs.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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