What are swollen or painful testicles?

Swollen or painful testicles are when one or both of your testicles becomes enlarged or sore.

Testicles, also called testes or balls, are a part of the male reproductive system. They sit in a pouch outside your body, which is called the scrotum. Testicles produce sperm and testosterone, which is a male sex hormone.

Testicles are very sensitive, so it can be uncomfortable if they are swollen or painful.

What are the symptoms of swollen or painful testicles?

A swollen or painful testicle will often be tender to the touch. Depending on the cause, you may also have other symptoms, such as:

• difficulty walking
• fever (a temperature of 38°C or higher)
• discolouration, such as red or blue coloured skin
• pain in your stomach or groin
• a change in the shape of your testicle

What causes swollen or painful testicles?

A swollen or painful testicle can be caused by many things, including:

• an injury to your scrotum
• an inguinal hernia (lump of tissue that pushes into your groin or scrotum)
• epididymo-orchitis (inflammation of your testicle and nearby structures)
• testicular rupture (burst testicle)
• a varicocele (a lumpy area caused by swollen veins in your scrotum)
• a cyst (fluid-filled sac in your testicle)
• hydrocele (a fluid filled sac around your testicle)

Testicular torsion is another cause of swollen or painful testicles. This happens when a testicle twists in the scrotum and cuts off the blood supply. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate surgery.

Painful or swollen testicles may be due to deliberate harm, such as:

• physical assault or bullying
• sexual assault
• self-harm

If you or your child has a swollen or painful testicle that you think was caused deliberately, see a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Consider talking to your doctor or another trusted person.

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if you have:

• mild pain in your testicle
• a swollen or enlarged testicle
• a lump on your testicle
• a change in the shape of your testicle
• an ache in your testicle that does not go away

Having a lump in your testicle can be a sign of testicular cancer. Diagnosing and treating testicular cancer early will give you the best chance of recovery.

When to seek urgent care

You should get urgent care if you have:

• sudden or severe pain in your testicles, lower abdomen (tummy) or groin
• sudden swelling in your testicle
• testicle pain, together with nausea, vomiting or a fever

How are swollen or painful testes diagnosed?

Your doctor will examine your testicles. They will also ask about your symptoms and whether you've had any recent injury to the area.

Your doctor may recommend further tests, including a:

• urine test
• ultrasound
• blood test

This can help your doctor find the cause of the swelling or pain.

How are swollen or painful testicles treated?

Treatment for a swollen or painful testicle will depend on the cause.

Self-care at home

If you have a swollen or painful testicle, there are things you can do at home to help with your symptoms:

• Put a rolled-up towel between your legs and under your scrotum. This can help support your testicles.
• Hold an ice pack wrapped in cloth on your testicles. This can help ease your symptoms. Do this for 20 minutes, 4 times a day.

Medicines for a swollen or painful testicle

If you have a bacterial infection, such as epididymo-orchitis, you will be given antibiotics. It's very important to finish the whole course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms start to improve.

Pain relief medicines can help with your symptoms. Ask your pharmacist which pain relief medicines are right for you.

Other treatment options

If you have testicular torsion you will need to have an operation. You will be transferred to a hospital for surgery immediately.

What are the complications of swollen or painful testicles?

The complications of a swollen or painful testicle will depend on the cause:

• A varicocele can affect sperm production and lower your fertility.
• Testicular cancer and the treatment of testicular cancer may lead to problems with fertility.
• Testicular torsion can cause the loss of your testicle if it's not treated quickly.

Complications from swollen or painful testicles are rare. Seeing your doctor as soon as possible can help find and treat most issues before they become serious.

Can swollen or painful testicles be prevented?

Swollen or painful testicles can be caused by many different things, some of which can be prevented and others which can't.

Here are some tips to help prevent a swollen or painful testicle:

• Regularly check your testicles to help pick up any changes early. Your doctor can show you how to do this if you are unsure.
• Have safe sex and use a condom to help reduce the chance of a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
• Wear appropriate protective gear when playing sports, such as a protective box or groin guard.
• Stay up to date with your mumps vaccine. Your doctor can advise which vaccine is right for you.

Resources and support

To learn more, visit the following websites:

• The Healthy Male website for information on testicular pain.
• The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website for resources on male reproductive health.

If you or someone you know has experienced physical or sexual assault, there are organisations that offer confidential information and support:

• Call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) any time or chat online.
• Contact Full Stop Australia. Call 1800 385 578 or use their online counselling service.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.