Testicular Torsion

A testicle can sometimes twist on itself. This twisting action cuts off the blood supply to the testicle, which is carried by a cord called the spermatic cord. When this happens, it causes a sudden, and often very painful, swelling in the scrotum (the pouch that holds the testicles).

Testicular torsion is a sudden twisting of the testicle, causing pain and potentially serious problems. It's important to recognize the signs.

Key symptoms of testicular torsion include:

• Sharp, intense pain in the scrotum: The scrotum is the pouch of skin below the penis that holds the testicles. This pain is often severe.
• Swollen scrotum: The scrotum might feel puffy and larger than usual.
• Belly (abdominal) pain: Pain can also be felt in the lower part of your belly.
• Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea) and/or vomiting: These are common reactions to the pain and discomfort.
• Testicle out of place: One testicle might be higher or positioned at an angle different from the other. This isn't always noticeable, but it's a possible sign.
• Frequent urination: You may need to urinate more often than usual.
• Fever: A fever can sometimes accompany the pain.

In young boys, testicular torsion often happens during the night, waking them up with pain in their scrotum. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek immediate medical help.

Severe or sudden pain in your testicle needs immediate medical attention. If a testicle twists (testicular torsion), quick treatment is crucial to avoid serious harm or even losing the testicle.

Even if the pain goes away on its own after a sudden onset, it's still important to see a doctor right away. Sometimes, the testicle twists, then untwists (this is called intermittent torsion and detorsion). Doctors often recommend surgery to prevent future problems.

A testicle can twist on its supporting cord, like a rope being spun. This cord carries blood to the testicle from the belly area. If the twisting happens repeatedly, it can completely cut off the blood supply, leading to damage very quickly.

Doctors don't know for sure why this happens. Many men who experience testicular torsion have a genetic tendency for their testicles to move around more easily inside the scrotum. This tendency can affect both testicles. However, not everyone with this tendency will get testicular torsion.

Often, testicular twisting happens a few hours after a lot of physical activity, or a small injury to the testicle. It can also happen while a person is sleeping. Cold temperatures or a testicle growing quickly during puberty might also play a part.

Testicular torsion, a twisting of the testicle, is a painful condition. Understanding the risk factors can help prevent or catch it early.

Who is most at risk?

• Teenagers: Testicular torsion happens most often in boys and young men between the ages of 12 and 18. This is a crucial age range for development, and it's important to be aware of potential issues.

• A history of previous torsion: If you've had testicle pain that went away on its own (this is called intermittent torsion and detorsion), you have a higher chance of it happening again. Each time this happens, the risk of permanent damage to the testicle increases. If you experience pain in your testicle, it's essential to seek medical attention promptly to rule out torsion. Repeated episodes of pain signal a growing concern and require further assessment.

• Family history: If someone in your family has had testicular torsion, you might be more likely to develop it as well. This suggests a possible genetic or inherited predisposition.

In short, if you are a teenager, have had testicle pain that resolved spontaneously in the past, or have a family history of testicular torsion, you should be extra vigilant about potential symptoms and seek medical attention promptly if you experience pain. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preserving testicular health.

Testicular torsion, a twisting of the testicle, can lead to serious problems if not treated quickly.

• Testicle damage or loss: If blood flow to the testicle is blocked for several hours due to torsion, the testicle can suffer permanent damage. This damage can be severe enough that the testicle needs to be surgically removed. Think of it like a part of your body not getting enough oxygen, leading to damage or death of the tissue.

• Infertility: Sometimes, damage to the testicle or its removal can affect a man's ability to have children. This is because the testicle produces sperm, which are needed for fertilization. If the testicle is damaged or removed, the body may not be able to produce enough healthy sperm for conception.

Some men inherit a genetic trait that allows their testicles to move around freely within the scrotum. This mobility means that one testicle can twist on its own blood supply. This twisting, called testicular torsion, is a serious problem that can damage the testicle. The only way to prevent testicular torsion in these cases is through surgery. During this surgery, the surgeon secures both testicles firmly to the inside of the scrotum, stopping the twisting motion.

Doctors diagnose testicular torsion by asking questions about your symptoms and doing a physical exam. They'll check your scrotum, testicles, abdomen, and groin. During the exam, they might gently rub or pinch the inside of your thigh on the affected side. This usually makes the testicle contract. If it doesn't, it could be a sign of testicular torsion.

Sometimes, more tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis or look for other possible causes. These tests might include:

• Urine test: This checks for infections, which can sometimes cause similar symptoms.
• Scrotal ultrasound: This uses sound waves to create images of the testicle and check blood flow. Low blood flow to the testicle is a possible sign of testicular torsion. However, sometimes the ultrasound doesn't show reduced blood flow, even if testicular torsion is present.
• Surgery: If you've had pain for several hours and the physical exam strongly suggests testicular torsion, you might go straight to surgery. This is because delaying surgery could mean losing the testicle. In some cases, surgery is needed to determine if the problem is testicular torsion or something else.

In short, diagnosing testicular torsion involves a combination of questions, physical examination, and potentially some tests. The goal is to quickly determine if the problem is testicular torsion so that surgery can be done if necessary to save the testicle. If the pain has been going on for a while, surgery might be the first step to get a definitive diagnosis and treatment.