Pain in the left testicle can be scary and confusing. It might feel sharp, dull, or come and go. You may not even remember doing anything to cause it. But testicle pain is something you should not ignore. In this article, we’ll help you understand why it happens.
What You Should Know First About Testicle Pain
Your testicles (also called testes or “nuts”) sit inside the scrotum and are part of the male reproductive system. They make sperm and testosterone. Testicle pain can happen for many reasons, and sometimes it has nothing to do with the testicle itself.
If your left testicle keeps hurting, it could be due to injury, infection, or other medical problems. The pain can also come from other parts of the body, like the lower abdomen or groin. It’s important to look at the full picture and not just the pain.
Let’s explore the common reasons why your left testicle might hurt and what you should do about it.
Common Causes of Left Testicle Pain
1. Minor Injury or Strain
If you bumped your testicle during sports or by accident, that can cause pain. Even if the injury seemed small at the time, swelling and soreness can appear later.
Symptoms:
- Pain in one testicle
- Mild swelling
- Tenderness to touch
What to do:
Use an ice pack, wear supportive underwear, and rest. If the pain doesn’t go away in a few days, see a doctor.
2. Epididymitis (Infection of the Epididymis)
The epididymis is a small tube behind the testicle that stores and moves sperm. If it gets infected, it can cause pain and swelling. Epididymitis is often caused by bacteria, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Symptoms:
- Pain on one side of the scrotum
- Swelling and warmth
- Pain when urinating
- Fever or chills
What to do:
See a doctor right away. You may need antibiotics. Delaying treatment can lead to serious problems, like infertility.
3. Testicular Torsion (Twisted Testicle)
This is a medical emergency. It happens when the spermatic cord (which carries blood to the testicle) twists. This cuts off blood flow and causes sudden, severe pain. It most often affects teenage boys but can happen at any age.
Symptoms:
- Sudden and sharp pain
- Swelling
- Nausea or vomiting
- One testicle hanging higher than the other
What to do:
Go to the emergency room immediately. If not treated within 6 hours, the testicle could be damaged permanently.
4. Varicocele (Swollen Veins in the Scrotum)
A varicocele is like a varicose vein in your scrotum. It usually affects the left side because of how the veins are arranged. It may not hurt at first, but over time, it can cause a dull ache or heavy feeling.
Symptoms:
- Dull ache in the left testicle
- Pain gets worse when standing or at the end of the day
- May feel like a “bag of worms” above the testicle
What to do:
If the pain bothers you or you’re worried about fertility, see a urologist. Surgery may be needed.
5. Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia happens when a part of your intestine pushes through a weak spot in your lower abdomen and into the groin or scrotum. This can cause pain in or near your left testicle.
Symptoms:
- Bulge in the groin
- Pain when coughing, lifting, or standing
- Pain may spread to the testicle
What to do:
If you notice a bulge or worsening pain, see a doctor. Surgery may be required.
6. Hydrocele (Fluid Around the Testicle)
A hydrocele is a buildup of fluid around the testicle. It usually isn’t painful, but a large hydrocele can cause discomfort or a dragging feeling.
Symptoms:
- Swelling in the scrotum
- Feeling of heaviness
- Pain if the swelling becomes large
What to do:
A doctor can check if it’s a hydrocele using ultrasound. Surgery can fix it if needed.
7. Referred Pain from the Kidney or Groin
Sometimes, pain in your testicle comes from another part of your body. Kidney stones or a groin injury can send pain signals to the testicle area.
Symptoms:
- Pain on one side of your back or side
- Pain that moves down to the groin or testicle
- Nausea, vomiting, or blood in urine (if it’s a kidney stone)
What to do:
See a doctor for testing. Treatment depends on the cause (like passing a kidney stone or treating a groin strain).
8. Orchitis (Testicle Infection)
Orchitis is inflammation of the testicle, usually caused by a virus like mumps. It can happen along with epididymitis.
Symptoms:
- Swollen, painful testicle
- Fever
- Feeling sick
What to do:
You may need rest, pain medication, and antibiotics. In rare cases, orchitis can affect fertility.
9. Testicular Cancer
Though rare, testicular cancer can start as a painless lump in one testicle. But sometimes, it causes pain or discomfort.
Symptoms:
- Lump or swelling in one testicle
- Pain or discomfort
- Feeling of heaviness
What to do:
See a doctor right away if you feel a lump or notice changes. Early treatment has a very high cure rate.
When to See a Doctor Immediately
You should go to the emergency room if:
- The pain is sudden and severe
- Your testicle is red, swollen, or very tender
- You feel sick or have a fever
- You find a lump or notice changes in size or shape
Even if the pain seems small, it’s best not to guess. Your testicles are important for health, fertility, and hormones.
Home Care for Mild Testicle Pain
If your pain is not severe and there are no other warning signs, try:
- Wearing snug underwear for support
- Using ice packs for swelling
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
- Resting and avoiding heavy lifting
If the pain doesn’t improve in a few days or gets worse, go see a doctor.
How Doctors Diagnose Testicle Pain
To find out what’s causing your pain, your doctor may:
- Ask about your symptoms and medical history
- Do a physical exam
- Order an ultrasound of the testicles
- Test your urine or blood
- Check for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
They may refer you to a urologist, a doctor who specializes in male health.
Can Left Testicle Pain Affect Fertility?
Some causes, like infections or varicoceles, can affect sperm health if not treated. Early diagnosis helps protect your fertility. Most men recover fully and have no long-term problems if they get proper care.
Is Left Testicle Pain Always Serious?
Not always, but it should be taken seriously. Some causes are simple, like minor injury. Others, like testicular torsion or infection, need fast treatment. Waiting too long could lead to damage or other problems.
Conclusion
If your left testicle keeps hurting, don’t ignore it. Many causes are treatable, especially if you catch them early. Talk to your doctor, get the right tests, and follow their advice. Your health is worth the attention—take care of it before small pain becomes a big problem.
FAQs About Left Testicle Pain
1. Why does my left testicle hurt but there is no lump?
A painful left testicle without a lump may be caused by infections, strain, or referred pain. It’s important to see a doctor, especially if the pain continues for more than a few days.
2. Is it normal for testicle pain to come and go?
Sometimes, mild pain can come and go, especially with varicocele or strain. But if the pain keeps returning, you should get checked to rule out more serious problems.
3. Can stress cause testicle pain?
Yes, stress and anxiety can make you feel pain or discomfort in your groin or testicles, even if there’s no physical problem. But you should still see a doctor to be sure.
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