Matsumoto AM, Anawalt BD. Testicular disorders. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 19. Show
McGowan CC. Prostatitis, epididymitis, and orchitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 110. Pontari M. Inflammatory and pain conditions of the male genitourinary tract: prostatitis and related pain conditions, orchitis, and epididymitis. In: Partin AW, Domochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 56. Last reviewed on: 7/26/2021 Reviewed by: Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you notice pain in your left testicle, you may wonder if that pain means you have testicular cancer. Though cancer can lead to pain in your testicles, cancer down there is pretty rare, and there are many other more common reasons for why you have left testicle pain. Even though cancer is unlikely, it’s still important to pay attention to pain. There are various medical conditions that a healthcare provider needs to address if you have pain in your left testicle. Roman Testosterone Support supplements Your first month’s supply is $15 ($20 off) Learn moreWhat causes left testicle pain?The scrotum has a lot of nerves, which helps explain why so many men experience testicular pain. The testicles sit inside the scrotum. Because of all the nerves, even a minor injury or condition can cause pain (Velasquez-a, 2021). Testicular pain can be a dull ache or sharp pain, acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), and it may be constant or come and go. A majority of the causes of testicular pain can trigger pain in either testicle or both at the same time. However, two conditions typically cause left testicle pain when they occur: VaricocelesVaricoceles are veins in the scrotum that can twist and enlarge—resembling what’s sometimes called a “bag of worms.” Often they don’t cause symptoms but can get worse and lead to pain. Problems with blood flow can lead to these enlarged veins (Leslie-a, 2021). Aside from potentially causing pain, varicoceles are the most commonly identified cause of low sperm count and have a link to infertility. The heat from extra blood in the area is thought to damage sperm. Removing the varicoceles has been shown to improve fertility (Kupis, 2015). Right-sided varicoceles are not as common and could be a sign of abnormal vein anatomy, a hernia in the groin, or a tumor. It’s best to check with your healthcare provider to determine the causes of enlarged veins on the right side (Gleason, 2018). How to check for testicular cancerCancer Last updated: Sep 26, 2021 5 min read Testicular torsionTesticular torsion, also known as a twisted testicle, is a medical emergency. It happens when the spermatic cord, which has ducts and blood vessels, is twisted and begins to cut off blood flow to the scrotum. This usually causes sudden, severe pain, swelling, and can lead to nausea, vomiting, and increased urination (Hyun, 2018; Schick, 2021). This is an emergency because a lack of blood can cause tissue to die. After six hours, there is a risk of losing the testicle. A medical professional may be able to untwist it without surgery, but often, surgery is necessary. While it’s more common in ages 12-16, testicular torsion can happen at any age (Hyun, 2018). Other causes of pain in the left testicleMost conditions can cause pain in either testicle. Here are additional, common conditions that may cause left testicular pain:
Prostate health: 6 ways to keep your prostate healthyProstate Last updated: May 10, 2021 7 min read When to call the doctorSome conditions, like testicular torsion, require immediate medical care. Others may require a visit to a urologist. Healthcare providers suggest you seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following in the scrotum (Velasquez-b, 2021):
Diagnosing and treating left testicle painIf the pain in your left testicle appears to be an emergency, a trip to an emergency room may be in order. If an office visit will work, your healthcare provider may refer you to a urologist. In either scenario, a medical professional will conduct a physical exam of the area and gather a personal history. They will likely use a Doppler ultrasound to image the area. Depending on the initial assessment, other tests may involve blood counts and urine tests, including tests for STIs. (Velasquez-b, 2021). Sexual dysfunction: what is it, causes, treatmentsSexual and reproductive health Last updated: Sep 26, 2021 6 min read Once your healthcare provider determines the cause of your left testicle pain, they can recommend a course of treatment. Bacterial infections require antibiotics. Serious injuries, tumors, and conditions that involve nerve pain may require surgery. Surgeries range from minimally invasive procedures to remove veins to more invasive surgeries such as the removal of tumors and cysts. An over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen can help with mild pain. To treat chronic pain, there are nerve blocks and the option of permanently removing nerves (Leslie-b, 2021). After some treatments, you may need to avoid heavy lifting. A urologist may also suggest physical therapy or exercises designed to reduce pelvic floor pain (Farrell, 2016). Different conditions will require different post-treatment protocols, and your healthcare provider will provide you with a list of ways to alleviate pain at home following treatment. Feeling pain in your left testicle can be jarring, but remember, it’s likely not cancer. If your pain is severe, head to your local emergency department. If it is not emergent, make an appointment with your healthcare provider so that they can more accurately assess, diagnose, and treat the cause of your pain. Why does my left testicle and lower left abdomen hurt?The pain can reside in either the right or left testicle and be associated with testicular swelling, lower abdomen pain, and burning when urinating. Sharp pain in one testicle can be caused by testicular torsion, an injury to the groin, a bacterial infection, or prostatitis.
How do you stop left testicle pain?If home remedies don't work, testicular pain can be treated medically. Pain can usually be reduced with medications. These may include: Pain relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, can help relieve pain.
What causes lower abdominal pain and testicle pain?UTIs can cause pain or a burning sensation while urinating, and this pain may extend to the testicles. A person may also experience a constant urge to urinate. Severe pain in the lower back or abdomen alongside fever, nausea, and vomiting can indicate a kidney infection, which is the most serious type of UTI.
How long does it take for left testicle pain to go away?With treatment, your pain may improve within 1 to 3 days. Depending on the cause of your testicle pain, your condition may take up to 4 weeks to heal. Rest: Limit your activity until your pain decreases. Get more rest while you heal.
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