Utah Testicular Pain & Treatment

What causes testicular pain? 

 

Orchialgia is the medical term used for testicular pain, which can considerably alter the daily activities of affected men. There are many different causes for orchialgia, some of which are considered to be medical emergencies. Common causes for testicular pain include trauma, infection, and inflammation. Trauma to the testicles usually results in short-lived pain, but can also be quite severe. Testicular torsion is a condition where a testicle becomes twisted around inside of the scrotum, cutting off the blood supply. Trauma can also cause a testicle to become ruptured. When testicular torsion or a ruptured testicle is suspected, immediate medical attention should be sought as surgical intervention may be required in order to save the testicle.

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One of the common conditions that affect the testicles is called epididymitis, which is an infection or irritation of the epididymitis. Epididymitis is often caused by a sexually transmitted disease, but can also be related to an enlarged prostate, especially in older men. Epididymitis is characterized by a gradual onset of pain with redness and swelling of the scrotum. Other symptoms include nausea, fever, vomiting, painful urination, and painful intercourse.

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Orchitis is an inflammation of the testicle that can be a result of leaving epididymitis untreated. It has symptoms similar to epididymitis and is typically treated with a combination of antibiotics, pain medications, and a cold compress. Sometimes orchitis needs to be surgically drained.

Another one of the common types of testicular inflammation is called inguinal hernia. An inguinal hernia occurs when a weakened part of the abdominal musculature allows a loop of bowels to protrude into the scrotum. Symptoms of inguinal hernia include pain that is usually rapidly onset and a bulging in the groin and scrotum that worsens with heavy lifting. If you suspect an inguinal hernia, seek immediate medical attention.

 

Utah Testicular Pain Treatment

 

Testicular pain, especially acute, must be diagnosed and treated properly. Chronic orchialgia is the name for testicular pain that lasts longer than 3 months. There are several options available for the treatment of chronic orchialgia. It is often treated with a combination of medications (NSAIDs, SNRI's, and membrane stabilizing drugs and sometimes opioids), acupuncture and biofeedback. Physical therapy can also be helpful by focusing on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and utilizing hot and cold therapy, ultrasound therapy, and beneficial stretching.

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When testicular pain is neuropathic in nature, it will often be alleviated with a nerve block or series of nerve blocks. Some of the common peripheral nerve blocks that are used include ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and genitofemoral blocks, especially in the case of chronic orchialgia. Localized injections can also be performed into the spermatic cord to provide pain relief. Lumbar sympathetic nerve blocks and sacral nerve blocks can also be helpful in reducing testicular pain, as well as other male pelvic pain conditions.

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When male pelvic pain does not respond to more conservative treatments, including nerve blocks, a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) will likely be recommended to fight pain symptoms. An SCS works by disrupting the pain signals being sent to the brain and replacing them with a mild, tingling sensation that is much less invasive than pain. An SCS trial will be administered for 5-7 days before a stimulator is decided on.

 

For more information on how Omega Interventional Pain can help treat your testicular pain, please contact us at 801-261-4988.