Cause | Common Features* | Tests |
---|---|---|
Severe, constant pain that begins suddenly in one testis A testis that may be pulled up closer to the body than the other testis Most often occurring in newborns and boys after puberty but sometimes in adults | ||
Torsion of the testicular appendage (twisting of a small piece of tissue attached to the testis) | Pain that usually develops over several days and that occurs in the top part of the testis Sometimes swelling around the testis Typically occurring in boys aged 7–14 years | Ultrasonography |
Epididymitis Epididymitis and Epididymo-orchitis Epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis (the coiled tube on top of the testis that provides the space and environment for sperm to mature), and epididymo-orchitis is inflammation of the... read more (inflammation of the epididymis) or epididymo-orchitis Epididymitis and Epididymo-orchitis Epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis (the coiled tube on top of the testis that provides the space and environment for sperm to mature), and epididymo-orchitis is inflammation of the... read more (inflammation of an epididymis and testis) | Pain that begins gradually or suddenly in the epididymis and sometimes the testis Possibly frequent urination or pain or burning during urination Possibly in men who have recently been doing heavy lifting or straining Often swelling of the scrotum Sometimes a discharge from the penis Typically occurring in boys after puberty and in men | Urinalysis and urine culture Sometimes tests for sexually transmitted infections Overview of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Sexually transmitted infection (STI) refers to an infection that is passed through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or other body fluids during oral, anal, or genital sex with an infected partner... read more |
Injury | In men who have had an injury to the genitals Often swelling of the scrotum | Ultrasonography |
Typically in men who have had painless bulge in the groin for a long time, often in those already known to have a hernia A bulge that
Pain that begins gradually or suddenly, typically when the bulge cannot be pushed back into the abdomen | A doctor's examination | |
Referred pain (for example, pain that comes from an abdominal aortic aneurysm Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Abdominal aortic aneurysms are bulges (dilations) in the wall of the aorta in the part that passes through the abdomen (abdominal aorta). Abdominal aortic aneurysms typically slowly expand and... read more , stones in the urinary tract Stones in the Urinary Tract Stones (calculi) are hard masses that form in the urinary tract and may cause pain, bleeding, or an infection or block of the flow of urine. Tiny stones may cause no symptoms, but larger stones... read more , pressure on spinal nerve roots in the lower part of the spine, appendicitis Appendicitis Appendicitis is inflammation and infection of the appendix. Often a blockage inside the appendix causes the appendix to become inflamed and infected. Abdominal pain, nausea, and fever are common... read more , or a tumor or pain that occurs after a hernia is repaired) | Normal results detected during examination of the scrotum Sometimes abdominal tenderness | Depends on examination findings and the suspected cause |
Orchitis Orchitis Orchitis is infection of the testes, most often by a virus such as mumps. Orchitis is usually caused by a virus. The testis swells and is painful. A doctor's examination and urinalysis are used... read more (infection of the testis), usually due to a virus, such as the mumps virus | Pain in the scrotum and abdomen, nausea, and fever Swelling and sometimes redness of the scrotum | Repeated blood tests to measure antibodies to the virus suspected to be the cause |
Necrotizing infection of the perineum (the area between the genitals and anus), called Fournier gangrene | Severe pain, an ill appearance, fever, and sometimes confusion, difficulty breathing, sweating, or dizziness Redness of the scrotum or blistering or dead tissue in the genital area Sometimes in men who have recently had abdominal surgery More common among older men with diabetes Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the body does not produce enough or respond normally to insulin, causing blood sugar (glucose) levels to be abnormally high. Symptoms of diabetes may... read more , peripheral arterial disease Overview of Peripheral Arterial Disease Peripheral arterial disease results in reduced blood flow in the arteries of the trunk, arms, and legs. Most often, doctors use the term peripheral arterial disease to describe poor circulation... read more , or both | Usually only a doctor's examination Sometimes imaging tests |
* Features include symptoms and the results of the doctor's examination. Features mentioned are typical but not always present. |