Testicle is enlarged and swollen
Definition - What is an enlarged and swollen testicle?
With various diseases, an enlarged testicle can occur. Often the swelling is only one-sided, so that the difference in size is noticeable when comparing the sides. If there is swelling, the skin over the testicle is stretched. Usually swelling is accompanied by pain. In some cases, both scrotums can swell. In any case, further clarification of the cause should be carried out with the doctor. Because there may be dangerous illnesses which require treatment by a doctor.
Causes of an enlarged and swollen testicle
There are a number of causes of swollen and enlarged testicles. The most dangerous is testicular torsion (twisted testicle). In testicular torsion, the style of the testicle is twisted and the blood supply is cut off. Treatment must be given as soon as possible, otherwise the testicular tissue will die. Testicular torsion mainly occurs in infants, children, adolescents, and young men. A more common cause of enlarged and swollen testicles is inflammation of the epididymis or the testicle itself. For example, testicular inflammation is a complication of mumps that can lead to infertility. However, testicular mumps are more often associated with only a shrinkage of the testicle. Testicular cancer can also lead to enlarged testicles. A blunt force of force, e.g. kicking or exercising can lead to swollen testicles. Usually a bruise also forms in this case. Cysts can also form in the testicles. In some cases, the hernial sac in an inguinal hernia can reach into the testicles, making them enlarged. Finally, it is possible that testicular swelling after operations, e.g. on the prostate. Testicular swelling can also be caused by a varicose vein on the testicle. As a result of the disturbed blood backflow in the testicular veins, blood accumulates in the testicles, which leads to an increase in the size of the testicle.
Find out more about the causes of a swollen testicle at:
- Testicular torsion
- Inflammation of the testicles
- Testicular cancer
- Symptoms of an inguinal hernia
- Varicose veins on the testicles - It's that dangerous!
Causes of an enlarged testicle in old age
The most common cause of swollen testicles in old age is epididymitis. This can occur, among other things, from urinary tract infections caused by residual urine in the bladder. Another possible cause, which is less common in old age, is sexually transmitted diseases. Another condition that leads to an enlarged testicle is testicular cancer. Testicular cancer occurs on the one hand between the ages of 20 and 50 and on the other more frequently from the age of 70. The swelling is usually one-sided. Only in very rare cases does testicular cancer occur on both sides. Inguinal hernias are also not uncommon in old age. Here it can happen that the hernial sac is located in the testicle and it is enlarged. In addition, after an inguinal hernia or prostate operation, the testicle may temporarily swell. A twisted testicle cannot be ruled out in old age, but it is very unlikely. However, this should always be ruled out in case of doubt, as a twisted testicle is an emergency that must be treated immediately.
For more information on the causes of testicular swelling in old age, we recommend the following pages:
- Epididymitis
- Testicular cancer
- Symptoms of an inguinal hernia
Testicular swelling after prostate surgery
Lymph nodes are often removed during prostate surgery. This hinders the flow of lymph and can lead to a build-up of lymph, which leads to swelling of the testicle. The swelling will subside within two to three days. Cooling and elevating the testicle have a supportive effect.
Testicular swelling after a vasectomy
In a vasectomy, the spermatic cord is severed with the aim of making the man unable to conceive. Lymphatic tracts can also be damaged here, so that in the first few days after the procedure, lymph congestion and swelling of the testicle occur. However, the swelling should decrease within a few days. In a few cases, the surgery can also lead to inflammation. This is accompanied by a general feeling of fatigue and fever. Then a doctor should be consulted.
Further information on this topic can be found at: Vasectomy - The sterilization of the man
Testicular swelling due to inflammation of the testicles
Both testicular inflammation and epididymitis can lead to a swollen and enlarged testicle. An exact differentiation between testicular and epididymal inflammation is often not possible. However, epididymitis is more common. In the course of inflammation, swelling, reddening, overheating and pain occur. The complaints are usually one-sided. By lifting the testicle, there is a decrease in pain.
Also read: Inflammation of the testicles and epididymides
Accompanying symptoms of testicular swelling
Pain is a common symptom of testicular swelling. They occur concomitantly with almost all causes. If there is inflammation, the testicles will also become reddened. This can also occur with other causes. With epididymitis there is sometimes a urinary tract infection. Among other things, this leads to painful urination. In addition, in a few cases blood can be found in the sperm.
If you suspect that you have testicular inflammation, we recommend our website: Inflammation of the testicles
A testicular trauma caused by a blunt force is usually accompanied by bruises, which may have to be operated on if it is very severe. With testicular torsion, a sudden severe pain occurs and general symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and palpitations can occur.
Since testicular torsion is an urgent emergency, the suspicion should be clarified as quickly as possible. For a good overview, we recommend our website: Testicular torsion
With testicular cancer, there are few accompanying symptoms. Often there is also no pain. A feeling of heaviness can be felt in the testicle. It is also possible that a hardening can be felt. In rare cases - usually well advanced - blood can be found in the sperm. However, blood in the sperm can also have numerous other causes. If the testicular cancer causes hormonal changes, swelling of the mammary gland rarely occurs.
If you suspect testicular cancer, we recommend our website: Testicular cancer
Testicular swelling with pain
If testicular swelling is accompanied by sudden severe pain, see a doctor as soon as possible. There is a possibility of testicular torsion (the testicles and the spermatic cord are twisted around their own axis). In this case, surgery must be done within a few hours to save the testicle.
Please also read: Testicular torsion
Epididymitis is also associated with pain. These are accompanied by a fever and a general feeling of illness. Epididymitis is often preceded by symptoms such as a urinary tract infection, e.g. Burning sensation when urinating. Pain can also occur with the other causes, but these are often not quite as severe.
Further information can be found at: Epididymitis
Testicular swelling with pain in the groin
Pain from swelling of the testicles typically radiates to the groin region. They do not necessarily indicate a specific causal illness. Often there is pain in the groin with epididymis inflammation. Even with testicular torsion, the pain can radiate into the lower abdomen and groin.
Testicular swelling without pain
Testicular tumors are typically pain-free. Often only one hardening can be felt. In rare cases, however, there may be tension pain due to the size of the tumor. This usually only occurs at advanced stages.
If you suspect a testicular tumor, you should also read the following page: Testicular cancer
Inguinal hernias can also go hand in hand without pain. A cyst or water blister is also not associated with pain unless it becomes very large or is poorly localized.
Also read: Symptoms of an inguinal hernia
Testicular swelling without swelling can also be caused by a varicose vein on the testicle. As a result of the disturbed blood backflow in the testicular veins, blood accumulates in the testicles, which leads to an increase in the size of the testicle. You can find more about this at: Varicose veins on the testicles - It's that dangerous!
Treatment of a swollen testicle
Since many serious diseases can be the cause of testicular swelling, a doctor should be consulted in any case. If it turns out to be testicular cancer, it must be surgically removed. Depending on the stage or spread of the tumor, chemotherapy is also carried out. Even if metastases (settlements) exist in testicular cancer, there are still chances of a cure, unlike many other cancers, because the metastases (cancerous settlements) can be treated with chemotherapy. After the therapy has been completed, the actual therapy is followed by follow-up or control examinations in order to detect recurrences of the tumor at an early stage. If the testicle or epididymis is inflamed, the testicle is raised and cooled. In addition, bed rest must be observed and anti-inflammatory drug therapy is initiated. If a bacterium can be identified as causing the inflammation, an appropriate antibiotic will be prescribed. In the case of testicular torsion, an operation is carried out as soon as possible. A hydrocele (accumulation of fluid in the testicle) is also operated on. A cyst, on the other hand, does not need an operation as long as it does not cause any symptoms. However, regular checks are advisable.
Are there any alternatives in the treatment of testicular swelling?
Since an enlarged and swollen testicle is usually based on a disease that requires treatment, a doctor should be consulted if there are any abnormalities. Furthermore, the treatment prescribed by the doctor should be followed, since no treatment can result in undesired complications such as infertility. Alternative therapy with home remedies can be successful, but is not recommended because of the risks.
Prognosis and duration of testicular swelling
The prognosis and duration are very dependent on the cause. If it is an inflammation of the testicle or the epididymis, the inflammation must be completely healed, as there is a risk of chronification. This in turn can be associated with fertility disorders. In the case of testicular cancer, an early diagnosis and start of therapy increase the chances of recovery. The chances of recovery are now generally very good. After inguinal hernia surgery, swelling goes down within two weeks, after prostate surgery or vasectomy within a few days, unless inflammation develops. Then the healing process takes longer, but there are usually no long-term effects here either. A cyst or a water burst does not need treatment as long as it does not cause symptoms. But even an operation is hardly associated with risks. Too late an operation for testicular torsion leads to a loss of function of the testicle; if the operation is carried out in good time, there are no late effects.
Diagnosis of testicular swelling
The diagnosis of testicular swelling depends on the cause. For some causal diseases, the diagnosis can be made very quickly based on the typical symptoms. First, there is a conversation with the doctor and an examination of the testicle. To differentiate the various causes, urine cultures are made, which provide information about pathogens causing inflammation. An ultrasound of the testicle is also often done. Above all, a twisted testicle can be ruled out here, which is important because this disease is associated with many risks. If testicular cancer is suspected, a blood test is carried out, in which values are taken that can indicate testicular cancer. In addition, a CT scan is performed for testicular cancer to see whether the tumor has already spread to lymph nodes.
