Testicular Torsion

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Medical Author:

Clifford Spanierman, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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• Testicular Torsion Overview
• Testicular Torsion Causes
• Testicular Torsion Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Questions to Ask the Doctor
• Exams and Tests
• Testicular Torsion Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Medications
• Surgery
• Other Therapy
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Support Groups and Counseling
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Viewer Comments: Testicular Torsion - Symptoms

Testicular Torsion Overview

Testicular torsion is a surgical emergency that may result in the loss of the affected testicle if not treated promptly. This is a painful condition caused by the twisting of the spermatic cord, which causes a loss of blood flow to the testicle. Testicular tissue cannot survive without blood flow. Torsion is the most common cause of testicle loss in adolescent males.

Testicular Torsion Causes

The cause of the majority of cases is the bell clapper deformity, an anatomic abnormality that is present in around 12% of males. This anatomical condition allows the spermatic cord to twist more easily, resulting in compromise of the blood supply to the testicle. This can occur spontaneously or may be associated with trauma. There is no way to detect this deformity. In about 40% of men who have this anatomical abnormality, it is present bilaterally (in both testicles).