Prolonged Testicle Pain

Any testicular pain should be taken seriously, states urologychannel.com. Pain can occur in either testicle in any age male. Though many conditions that cause testicular pain can be treated, there are others that can cause permanent damage. If you experience any testicular pain, no matter how long it lasts, contact your doctor.

Anatomy

• Urologychannel.com explains that many males mistake groin pain for testicular pain. The groin is the region between the abdomen and inner thigh; pain in the testicles is not related to groin pain. The testicles are the reproductive organs that produce sperm in males, and most of the time, states urologychannel.com, the source of testicular pain is not in the testes, but other structures such as the epididymis. The epididymis is more likely to get infected than the testes, and treatment will then focus on riding the infection from this tube-like structure.

Causes

• There are many causes of prolonged testicular pain; epididymis being the most common. The epididymis is connected to the testicle, thus when it is infected, the infection spreads to the testicles and causes testicular pain. Orchitis, states urologychannel.com, is inflammation of the testicles and rarely occurs by itself. STD's can also cause testicular pain, which can be sudden or prolonged. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are most likely to cause this pain, says urologychannel.com.

Causes: Continued

• Sports injuries can also cause prolonged testicular pain. Urologychannel.com explains that testicular tumors usually do not cause pain, but it is possible in some cases. This is most common in men between the ages of 18 and 32. Inguinal hernias also commonly cause acute and prolonged testicular pain. When intestines push through the inguinal canal, which is the passageway connected to the scrotum, swelling and pain that worsens when coughing, sneezing and lifting can occur, states urologychannel.com. Prostatitis, a condition of the prostate, may also cause discomfort in the testicles, according to "Clinical Methods: The History, Physical and Labratory Examinations" from the National Institutes of Health.

Additional Causes

• Men who ride bicycles are more likely to experience prolonged testicular pain. Pudendal neuralgia, reports urologychannel.com, is caused when men improperly sit on a bike seat or ride for long periods of times. This can cause pain in the testicles and anus and can also lead to erectile dysfunction and other genitourinary conditions. It is also common that kidney stones and surgery can lead to discomfort in the testicles. According to "Clinical Methods: The History, Physical and Labratory Examinations," a vasectomy can lead to testicular pain that can last for long periods.

Treatment/Prevention

• Treatment can be determined after speaking with your doctor. In cases of infection, antibiotics will be used. Pain management drugs, self care or even surgery may be needed in some cases, states urologychannel.com. To protect your testicles, practice safe sex, wear protective gear during sports and exercising, limit stress on the pudendal nerve, check yourself for lumps and contact your doctor as soon as you feel any unusual pain, warns drugs.com.