Testicular pain is an acute pain syndrome that may begin suddenly, intensify gradually, and in some cases become chronic. Many men tend to tolerate this pain and delay seeking medical help from a urologist. At first, the discomfort in the scrotum may seem minor and not interfere with daily activities, leading to the belief that it will resolve on its own.
However, men’s health specialists agree that any suspicious symptoms or sharp, worsening scrotal pain require immediate medical attention, as delays in diagnosis can lead to severe complications — including loss of the testicle or long-term damage to the reproductive and urinary systems.
What Causes Testicular and Scrotal Pain?
Sharp or pulling pain in the testicles is often a sign of an underlying issue in the male reproductive system. Pain is commonly triggered by inflammation, infection (bacterial or viral), or injury — whether mechanical, thermal, or post-traumatic.
Conditions commonly associated with scrotal pain include:
Orchoepididymitis
Epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis)
Orchitis (inflammation of the testicular tissue)
E. coli infection
Spermatocele (fluid-filled cyst in the testicle)
Cryptorchidism (undescended testicle)
Hydrocele (fluid accumulation in the scrotum)
Fournier’s gangrene (a life-threatening infection)
Testicular cancer
Testicular cyst
Inguinal hernia (often causes simultaneous groin and testicular pain)
Scrotal contusion or trauma
Varicocele (enlarged veins of the testicle, often post-exercise or due to vascular issues)
Testicular torsion (a surgical emergency requiring urgent hospitalization)
Mumps (viral orchitis)
Enterococcal infection
Ureaplasma infection
Chlamydia
Trichomoniasis, among others
Additionally, testicular discomfort may arise from past infections, nerve inflammation, or secondary conditions such as:
Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland)
Kidney stones
Inguinal hernia
Side effects of strong medications (e.g., antibiotics, diuretics)
Diagnostic Measures
The first step in identifying the true cause of testicular pain is to consult a urologist. During the consultation, the specialist will take a detailed medical history, evaluate the nature, intensity, and duration of the pain, and may recommend laboratory tests and imaging studies (such as scrotal ultrasound) to determine an accurate diagnosis.
Early diagnosis is critical in ensuring effective treatment and preventing complications related to male reproductive health.