Yes, testicular torsion pain is described as a sharp, stabbing pain. It is typically sudden and quite severe, radiating from the affected testicle to the lower abdomen area. Pain often accompanies other related symptoms such as scrotal swelling, elevated temperatures in the affected testicle and nausea.
The pain intensity associated with testicular torsion may vary slightly depending on its severity or how long the condition has been present. Treatment should be sought immediately as delaying treatment may lead to compromised fertility or the loss of the affected testicle.
Is it obvious if you have testicular torsion?
It can be difficult to determine if you have testicular torsion without a medical evaluation. Generally, the main symptom of testicular torsion is sudden and severe pain in the affected testicle, which may be accompanied by swelling, tenderness, and discoloration of the scrotum.
Other symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, low-grade fever, and general abdominal pain. In some cases, there may be no pain at all. This condition can progress quickly, so if you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
What can be mistaken for testicular torsion?
Testicular torsion can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions. These include epididymitis, orchitis, hydrocele, varicocele, and inguinal hernia. In men, epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis, the coiled, tubular structure at the back of the testicles where sperm are stored, and is commonly mistaken for testicular torsion due to similar symptoms.
Orchitis is the inflammation of the testicles and may also lead to testicular torsion. Hydrocele is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the scrotum that may look like torsion. Varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of the veins within the scrotum which can cause pain and resemble torsion.
Lastly, an inguinal hernia may be mistaken for testicular torsion due to the similar location in the groin. It is important to be aware of the differences between these conditions and to seek medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms associated with testicular torsion.
How can you tell the difference between testicular torsion and epididymitis?
Testicular torsion and epididymitis are two distinctly different medical conditions that can both cause pain in the testicle area. Testicular torsion is when the spermatic cord, which holds the testicle in place within the scrotum, twists and cuts off the blood supply to the testicle.
Epididymitis is an inflammation or infection of the epididymis, a tube located at the back of the testicle that carries and stores sperm.
In order to tell the difference between testicular torsion and epididymitis, a physician can evaluate the patient’s symptoms and perform a physical examination. Testicular torsion will cause severe and sudden pain in the affected testicle, along with swelling and redness, and the testicle will appear higher than the unaffected testicle.
In contrast, epididymitis typically develops slowly and may cause pain, tenderness, and swelling in both testicles. There may also be swelling in the scrotum, pain during sex or urination, and the patient may experience a fever and/or a burning feeling when urinating.
If a physician is still unsure as to what condition the patient is suffering from, they may order other tests and imaging, such as an ultrasound or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, that can help determine the cause of the pain and help diagnose the condition.
How fast does testicular torsion happen?
Testicular torsion is an emergency medical condition that can happen very suddenly and without warning. It happens when a testicle rotates, twisting the spermatic cord that contains vessels to and from the teste.
This cuts off the blood supply to the testicle. The condition becomes more severe with time as the testicle, if not treated, will die within six to twelve hours. The severity of the torsion makes it quite fast and urgent, symptomatic or not.
Generally, the faster the torsion is discovered, the higher chance the patient has of recovery and saving their testicle.
Does testicular torsion hurt immediately?
Testicular torsion is a medical emergency that is caused when the spermatic cord carrying blood to the testicle gets twisted, cutting off the blood supply and causing testicular pain. In many cases, testicular torsion is associated with a sudden and severe pain that is felt immediately, usually on just one side of the scrotum, and is often described as sharp, stabbing, or twisting.
Depending on how much time has passed since the torsion occurs, the pain may either be more sudden and intense, or it may have started much earlier and over time become more severe. Some individuals may also experience nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and a swollen or tender scrotum.
If testicular torsion is not treated quickly, it can result in permanent testicular damage. Therefore, if you are suffering from any of the symptoms associated with this condition, you should seek immediate medical attention.
How do you rule out torsion?
In order to rule out torsion, a thorough physical examination should be conducted in order to detect any signs of discomfort, swelling, or pain when the affected area is rotated. In some cases, X-ray imaging can also be used to detect any deformities or irregularities in the skeletal structure.
Additionally, an MRI can be conducted in order to detect if the organs in the abdominal region are being compressed or twisted, which can point to torsion. Finally, blood tests such as a complete blood count and ultrasound imaging can also be conducted in order to evaluate the organs in the abdominal cavity for further signs of torsion.
When should I go to the ER for testicular pain?
If you feel sudden, severe, or prolonged testicular pain, you should seek medical attention immediately. You may need to go to the emergency room (ER) if the pain is accompanied by other severe symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, fainting, swelling in the testicles or scrotum, or a fever or chills.
If you experience any pain that lasts for an extended period or is severe and sharp, you should be seen as soon as possible. In addition, if you observe any unusual lumps, discoloration, or drainage from the scrotum, an ER visit is recommended.
Lastly, if you have been injured in the testicles, are experiencing difficulty passing urine, have had a recent sexually transmitted infection, or suspect a hernia, it is best to seek medical attention right away.
Can you have testicular torsion for weeks?
Yes, it is possible to have testicular torsion for weeks. Testicular torsion is a medical condition that occurs when the spermatic cord, which provides blood to the testes, gets twisted. When this happens, the entire testicle can become twisted and blood flow is blocked, which causes pain and other symptoms.
Testicular torsion can occur suddenly or gradually, and the pain can last for a few minutes or become quite severe. Typically, treatment must be sought immediately in order to avoid permanent damage to the testes and spermatic cord.
However, it is also possible to have testicular torsion for weeks without seeking medical attention.
In cases of chronic testicular torsion, the pain and symptoms may come and go over an extended period of time and may even be minor and tolerable. If left untreated, the testicle can become damaged and may even require surgical reduction and fixation.
It’s therefore important that men who experience testicular torsion, even if it’s mild in nature, seek medical attention to get checked out.
Can testicular torsion be misdiagnosed?
Yes, testicular torsion can be misdiagnosed. This is because the symptoms of testicular torsion can be similar to other conditions, such as epididymitis, orchitis, or inguinal hernias, so it can be difficult to distinguish between them.
Furthermore, there is a wide variance in how severely testicular torsion affects each patient; some may experience only mild pain while others may experience severe and disabling pain. As a result, it is important to perform a thorough physical examination and get a detailed history of the patient’s symptoms.
If the physical examination is inconclusive, imaging studies, such as an ultrasound and/or MRI, may be used to confirm a diagnosis of testicular torsion. If testicular torsion is suspected, urgent surgical exploration is usually indicated to avoid irreparable damage to the testicular tissue.