Scrotal Pain
Scrotal pain may be caused by a minor injury or a serious medical condition. It’s important to seek immediate medical attention as the pain could indicate a serious underlying condition that requires treatment. Ignoring scrotal pain increases the risk of losing a testicle or being sterile.
The Causes of Scrotal Pain
The following may cause pain in the scrotum:
An injury in the groin or scrotum
Torsion (or twisting) of the testicle, the cord that carries sperm from the testicle, or tissue attached to the testicle
An infection of the testicle or other area in the scrotum
A hydrocele (fluid buildup around the testicle)
A varicocele (blood backup in veins in the scrotum)
A spermatocele (space filled with fluid that can form inside the epididymis)
- A hematocele
- An infected appendix
- An inguinal hernia (tissue pushed out of place in your groin)
- Fournier gangrene (tissue death in the area between the scrotum and anus)
- Orchitis (inflammation in one or both testicles caused by a bacterial or viral infection)
- A urinary tract infection or stone that is passing
- Post-vasectomy pain syndrome
- Testicular cancer
Signs of Serious Scrotal Pain
Patients experiencing the following symptoms should seek immediate medical attention:
- Fever
- Sudden or severe pain
- Swelling in the scrotum or groin, especially if the patient also has severe pain or is vomiting
- Red or black patches of skin on the scrotum or area between the penis and anus
- Blisters anywhere in the groin or scrotum
Scrotal pain may also be accompanied with bruising, nausea, vomiting, swelling, and urination problems.
Diagnosing the Cause of Scrotal Pain
During a doctor’s appointment, the physician will examine the patient and ask questions about the pain. It’s important to tell the provider when the pain began and how long it has lasted. The physician will also ask if the pain began in another area and moved to the scrotum.
Scrotal pain may have moved from the scrotum to another area. Patients should tell their provider if they experience pain during exercise or if they had an injury to their groin. It’s also important to share complications of scrotal pain, such as pain during urination or discharge from the penis. The physician will likely ask questions about the patient’s sexual activity.
Blood or urine tests may be ordered to rule out infections. Patients with a lump in their testicle will undergo an ultrasound to check for testicular cancer.
Treatment Options for Scrotal Pain
Treatment for scrotal pain will depend on the cause.
- Prescription pain medication: Acetaminophen can help alleviate pain. It’s important to avoid taking additional medication that contains acetaminophen without talking to the physician. Too much acetaminophen may lead to liver damage.
- NSAIDs: Ibuprofen can help decrease swelling, pain, and fever associated with scrotal pain. In certain people, NSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs) can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems. Patients taking blood thinners should ask their physician if NSAIDs are safe for them.
- Antibiotics: Patients with scrotal pain caused by a bacterial infection may be prescribed antibiotics.
- Tricyclic antidepressants: This medication can be used to treat nerve pain.
- Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to untwist the testicle or to remove dead or infected tissue. Patients with testicular cancer may also need surgery.
