Testicular Torsion Pain Facts

Testicular torsion is a serious emergency condition in which the testes rotate and the blood supply to the scrotum is blocked. A man who experiences acute pain in the scrotum, nausea and vomiting should seek medical aid. Though torsion can occur at any age, including prenatal stages, it most often occurs in adolescent males, and is the most common cause of loss of a testicle among this group.

Testicular Health

• The testicles are organs that require a constant blood supply. Each testicle has its own blood arteries, but if the testicle rotates, these arteries can collapse and blood is blocked. The testicle rotates on the spermatic cord, which connects the testicle to the abdomen. Once blood is blocked, the testicle will begin to die. It is rare for both testicles to rotate at the same time. About 10 percent of males have a genetic propensity in which the testicle is not securely attached to the scrotum.

Causes

• Though testicles rotate often on their own, certain environments can exacerbate or increase the risk of torsion. Young males involved in strenuous physical activity or who are face the possibility of injury to the scrotum need to be especially conscious of injury. Most coaches will recommend wearing an athletic supporter and cup, if necessary, to support the testicles and prevent twisting. Sexual arousal, activity or sleep reflexes are also situations in which torsion can occur.

Symptoms

• The most telling symptom of testicular torsion includes a sharp and sudden pain in one of the testicles. The scrotum will swell and pain will expand to the abdomen. The male will often feel nauseated and vomit, and a noticeable fever will ensue. Occasionally, the testicle will rise markedly or be positioned at an odd angle. Finally, if pain comes and disappears suddenly, this could indicate that the testicle has untwisted on its own. However, that doesn't mean the danger is over. A doctor should still be consulted.

Treatment

• If symptoms occur, seek medical aid immediately. Ice should be applied to the scrotum once the pain begins, and a doctor will keep ice applied until surgery begins. After a scrotal ultrasound, the doctor will use general anesthesia and open the scrotum to untwist the testicle and stitch one or both testicles to the side of the scrotum to prevent future twisting. If the testicle is untwisted within a few hours, it will most likely be saved. After 12e hours, however, chances drop to about 50 percent. If the male waits more than a day, there is a minimal chance of saving the testicle.
  Antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent any infection, and pain medication will be used for a few days, while regular heat might assist bringing any swelling down. The doctor will likely recommend wearing an athletic supporter until pain and swelling go away.

Prevention

• Torsion occurs without warning, and some males are more prone to torsion than others. Wearing an athletic supporter does prevent movement of the testicles during activity. Some doctors recommend wearing briefs instead of boxer shorts as underwear during normal activity.