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Testicle problems
Epididymitis What are testicle problems like? (real comments from real people) DIY testicular examination video EpididymitisWhat is it? What is it?An inflammation of the epididymis, the tube that transports sperm from the testicle towards the penis. If the swelling affects the testicle as well as the epididymis, the condition is known as epididymo-orchitis. What are the main symptoms?
What's the risk?It's unusual, although it's more common in childhood and has a peak occurrence in adolescence. What causes it?In adults the condition may follow a viral or bacterial infection. Bacteria can sometimes find their way to the epididymis as a consequence of infection with the common bacteria that cause urinary infections or by other organisms such as those of chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Epididymitis can sometimes follow a vasectomy. How can I prevent it?The risk of epididymitis being caused as a result of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can be reduced by always practising safer sex (i.e. using a condom during intercourse) and having regular check-ups for STIs at a GUM (genito-urinary medicine) clinic. Should I see a doctor?Yes. A urine test can diagnose the condition. Your doctor will make the diagnosis and exclude other potentially important conditions. What are the main treatments?Antibiotics (if it's a bacterial infection). You may also be advised to rest in bed, take painkillers (e.g. paracetemol or ibuprofen), and even apply an ice-pack to the scrotum. How can I help myself?Follow your doctor's orders and be patient – epididymitis can take several months to clear up completely. What's the outlook?Good, although sometimes the scrotum remains somewhat enlarged. Who else can help?No organisation can help with this problem. HydroceleWhat is it? What is it?A swelling in the scrotum, caused by a harmless build-up of fluid within the sacs surrounding the testicles. What are the main symptoms?A soft and usually painless swelling of the scrotum. Sometimes the swelling can be as large as a grapefruit. What's the risk?Low. What causes it?A build-up of fluid in the scrotum, sometimes caused by an injury to the testicles or following infection or inflammation. How can I prevent it?It's not easy to prevent, except by protecting the testicles during sport or potentially risky work. Should I see a doctor?Yes. It's important to rule out any more serious conditions. The doctor will examine the testicles. He or she may also shine a light through the scrotum – if the light passes through, it's probably a hydrocele. What are the main treatments?Usually none, unless the swelling has become very large or uncomfortable. Hydroceles can be drained using a syringe or, more commonly, surgery is used to remove the whole hydrocele. For men with small hydroceles and no symptoms it is usually wiser to leave well alone. How can I help myself?There's not much you can do. What's the outlook?Most serious cases can be permanently treated. Who else can help?No organisation can help with this problem. Testicular cancerWhat is it? What is it?A relatively rare cancer that usually affects one testicle. What are the main symptoms?The key symptoms to look out for are:
It's important to remember that testicular cancer may not cause any discomfort or pain, especially in the early stages. The most common symptom is a small painless lump. Any of these symptoms can also have benign (i.e. non-cancerous) causes, but they should always be checked by a doctor. As some of these symptoms aren't always obvious, it's important to check your testicles regularly. What's the risk?Testicular cancer is the most common cancer affecting men aged 20–35 but the lifetime risk of developing the disease is still only 1 in 400. That compares with 1 in 12 for lung cancer and for prostate cancer. However, the incidence of testicular cancer is increasing – in fact, it's doubled in the past 20 years. The risks are greater (1 in 44) for men who were born with undescended testicles. Men with a brother or father who had a testicular tumour have a 6–10 times higher risk of developing this cancer. What causes it?The causes aren't yet fully understood. However, the fact that men who develop testicular cancer are more likely to have had undescended testicles, and to be affected by fertility problems, suggests some sort of common cause. One plausible theory, not yet fully proven, is that testicular tissues are damaged while male foetuses are still developing, possibly as a result of their mothers' exposure to environmental pollutants which are chemically similar to the female hormone oestrogen. It may be that male foetuses are being over-exposed to oestrogen and that, as a result, some develop a range of problems with their reproductive systems. Some studies have also linked testicular cancer to a sedentary lifestyle in boys, although further research is needed to confirm this. How can I prevent it?You can't. Should I see a doctor?If you have any of the symptoms listed above you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will examine your testicles and, if he or she suspects a problem, you'll probably be referred to a specialist doctor (normally a urologist). Your testicles will be examined again and you may be asked to have an ultrasound (a painless procedure) and a blood test. What are the main treatments?
How can I help myself?
What's the outlook?Generally very good indeed. If diagnosed early, 96% of patients can be cured completely. Even when the cancer has spread, up to 80% of men can still be cured. Who else can help?CancerBACUP Cancer Research UK Guide To Internet Resources for Cancer Institute of Cancer Research Macmillan Cancer Relief Orchid Cancer Appeal TorsionWhat is it? What is it?Each testicle is suspended within the scrotum by the spermatic cord. This can become twisted, cutting off the blood supply to a testicle. What are the main symptoms?
What's the risk?Low. It's most common in teenage boys. What causes it?Many cases have no known or obvious cause, although it can be linked to physical activity. Some men, who have naturally more mobile testicles, are at higher risk. How can I prevent it?You can't. Should I see a doctor?Definitely. In fact, torsion is a medical emergency – aside from the pain, if the spermatic cord is twisted for more than a few hours a testicle can die due a lack of blood supply, and will then have to be removed. What are the main treatments?An operation to untwist the cord. How can I help myself?There's not much you can do. What's the outlook?Good, if treatment is carried out promptly. Who else can help?Don't waste time trying to find out – you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. VaricoceleWhat is it? What is it?Essentially a varicose vein within the testicle. What are the main symptoms?
What's the risk?Approximately 10–15% of men develop a varicocele. What causes it?A damaged valve in the vein draining blood from the testicle. How can I prevent it?You can't. Should I see a doctor?Yes. It's important to rule out any more serious conditions. Varicoceles can usually be diagnosed through manual examination. A doctor may also shine a light through the testicle – a varicocele will block out the light. Small varicoceles can sometimes be diagnosed by ultrasound. What are the main treatments?Usually none, although if you're uncomfortable you may be advised to wear supportive underwear. If you have a fertility problem, however, it is possible to tackle the varicocele with a variety of surgical techniques. One increasingly used method is known as embolisation: small tungsten coils are inserted to block the veins leading to the varicocele. How can I help myself?There's not much you can do. What's the outlook?Good, but varicoceles can sometimes recur. The treatment of varicoceles can result in a significant increase in fertility: improvements in semen quality occur in 50–90% of men. Who else can help?For fertility problems which may be linked to a varicocele: BICA (British Infertility Counselling Association) Infertility Network UK Back to A-Z of Health  By Peter Baker, launch editor of malehealth.co.uk. Have your say about testicle problemsHave you been affected by a testicle problem? If so, we'd like to hear about your experience and to post it on the malehealth.co.uk site. This could be useful to other men who are also affected by this problem. Please note, we cannot answer any queries posted here. If you would like to ask a question about testicle problems that will be answered by our panel of experts, please go to Ask the Doctor. Read about other men's experiences of tackling testicle problems
Page last updated: 09/05/2003
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The Department of Health has provided funding to the Men's Health Forum, assisting the provision of health information and advice.
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