Quick answer
What could testicular pain mean?
Sudden severe testicular pain, especially with swelling, nausea, tummy pain or a testicle sitting higher than usual, can be testicular torsion. Go to A&E immediately because surgery may be needed within hours. Gradual or mild pain also needs medical assessment if it persists.
Emergency pattern
Torsion commonly causes sudden one-sided pain and swelling, nausea or vomiting and a testicle that appears higher or at a different angle.
Other causes
Gradual pain may come from infection, injury, a fluid collection, hernia or referred pain. Examination and sometimes urine tests or ultrasound help determine the cause.
What not to do
Do not try to twist the testicle back yourself and do not wait for a routine appointment when pain is sudden or severe.
Common questions about testicular pain
- Can testicular torsion pain come and go?
- Yes. Intermittent twisting can temporarily resolve, but still needs urgent assessment because it may recur.
- Is testicular pain usually cancer?
- Pain alone is not the usual presentation of testicular cancer, but any lump, swelling or change should be checked.
- Can an infection cause testicular pain?
- Yes. Epididymitis can cause gradually worsening pain and swelling, sometimes with urinary symptoms or fever, and needs medical treatment.