HealthInfo Canterbury

Lumps, swelling & pain of the testicles & scrotum

Lumps and swelling in your testicles (balls) are fairly common and in most cases, the cause isn't serious. But see your general practice team if you have:

• a lump in your testicles – this can be a sign of testicular cancer and it's easier to treat if it's found early
• red or swollen testicles
• a change in the shape or feel of your testicles
• an ongoing ache, pain or discomfort in your testicles.

Pain in the testicles can be caused an infection or the following possible causes.

Twisting of the testicle (testicular torsion)

This is when a testicle has turned around in your scrotum. This can cause severe pain in your scrotum and lower abdomen. It can also cause nausea and swelling of your testicle.

Injury, exposure to cold temperatures and excessive exercise can all cause testicular torsion. Your doctor may be able to treat this by repositioning your testicle. In severe cases, you'll need surgery.

 

Epididymal cyst (spermatocele)

This is a collection of fluid (called a cyst) inside your epididymis, which is the tube that stores and transports sperm. They're very common, usually painless and usually don't cause any problems.

If they get large, they can be uncomfortable. You may need surgery if you have a large cyst.

 

Hydrocele

This is a collection of fluid in your scrotum that causes swelling. It's often painless and not dangerous. If it gets large, it can cause an ache or feeling of heaviness in your scrotum.

A hydrocele usually goes away by itself. But if it gets very large or painful, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the fluid.

 

Varicocele

This is a swelling of a vein or veins in your scrotum. It's caused by the valves in the veins not working properly and is similar to a varicose vein. You can have a varicocele in one or both testicles.

Often you have no symptoms. If you have problems such as aching or discomfort, the varicocele can be treated by embolization. This is a procedure that redirects the blood flow away from the varicocele.

 

  HealthInfo recommends the following pages

• NHS Inform – Testicular lumps and swellings

  More information about the diagnosis and treatment of lumps.

• Patient.info:
  • Epididymal cyst

    Information about what an epididymal cyst is and when it needs to be treated.

  • Hydrocele in adults

    Information about what hydroceles are, what causes them and how they're treated.

  • Torsion of the testis

    Twisting, or torsion of the testis is an emergency. This information leaflet outlines the symptoms and what to do.

  • Varicocele

    Information explaining what a varicocele is and whether it's linked to infertility.

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed April 2023.

Sources

Page reference: 47530

Review key: HITSP-26704