What's wrong with testicular pain and swelling?

Testicular pain and swelling may be caused by orchitis, epididymitis, varicocele, testicular torsion, testicular trauma, etc., and can be relieved by anti-infective treatment, surgical reduction, analgesia, etc. It is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly to determine the cause of the disease to avoid delays in treatment.

1. Orchitis

Orchitis is mostly caused by bacterial or viral infection. Common pathogens include Escherichia coli, mumps virus, etc. It manifests as persistent swelling and pain in one or both testicles, accompanied by red, swollen and hot scrotal skin. Anti-infective treatment with ceftriaxone sodium for injection, levofloxacin tablets, acyclovir tablets and other drugs must be followed as directed by the doctor. In the acute stage, you need to rest in bed and use a scrotal support to elevate the area.

2. Epididymitis

Epididymitis is often secondary to urinary tract infection, in which pathogenic bacteria infect retrogradely through the vas deferens. Typical symptoms are epididymal induration with radiating pain, which may be accompanied by frequent urination and urgency. Treatment requires tamsulosin hydrochloride sustained-release capsules, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, cefoperazone sodium and sulbactam sodium for injection, and other drugs, combined with local hot compresses to relieve symptoms.

3. Varicocele

Obstruction of spermatic vein return leads to dilation of the venous plexus, which is more common in the left testis. It manifests as a swollen feeling in the scrotum, which worsens after standing for a long time, and vermiform varicose veins can be seen. For mild cases, special underwear can be worn to hold up the scrotum; for severe cases, laparoscopic high spermatic vein ligation is required.

4. Testicular torsion

Abnormal testicular frenulum causes spermatic cord rotation, which is a urological emergency. Sudden severe colic accompanied by upward movement of the testicles, failure to reset within 6 hours may lead to testicular necrosis. Immediately after diagnosis, manual reduction or orchiopexy is required, and methylcobalamin tablets are used to nourish the nerves later.

5. Testicular trauma

Impact or crushing injuries can cause testicular hematoma or rupture of the tunica albuginea. It manifests as scrotal ecchymosis and severe pain, and ultrasound examination can confirm the extent of the injury. Mild hematoma can be treated with cold compresses and Yunnan Baiyao capsules taken orally. Severe lacerations require surgical suturing to stop bleeding.

Avoid strenuous exercise that impacts the perineum in daily life, and choose breathable cotton underwear to keep the scrotum dry. It is forbidden to use hot compresses or self-administered painkillers when pain occurs. You need to lie down immediately and seek medical attention to check for testicular torsion. During the recovery period, avoid eating spicy foods, and conduct regular ultrasound examinations to evaluate the blood supply to the testicles. If accompanied by fever symptoms, it is necessary to monitor changes in body temperature and replenish fluids in time.