A Pain in the Testicle
Other potential causes of male genital pain include a blow to the scrotum, a stone in the lower ureter, fluid in the testicle (from a a spermatocele or hydrocele) and, rarely, testicular cancer.
Pain from testicular torsion (when the testicles and spermatic cord twist inside the scrotum) requires immediate care because it can block blood flow to the testicles.
Orchitis is an inflammation of one or both testicles caused by either bacteria or viruses. The viral form is associated with the virus that causes mumps. According to the Mayo Clinic, about one in three men who get the mumps will develop orchitis, so it helps to know the signs, which include:
- Pain in the testicle (or both testicles) ranging from mild to severe
- Discharge from the penis
- Swelling or tenderness in one or both testicles
- Nausea and fever
Symptoms of either viral or bacterial orchitis usually occur suddenly. The bacterial form may be the end result of a urethra or bladder infection, which is often caused by sexually transmitted diseases. If you have had multiple sex partners or unprotected sex you are at increased risk for bacterial orchitis, and not getting a mumps shot increases you risk for viral orchitis. Male genital pain has many causes, and it’s important to see a specialist for an evaluation.
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