Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
Medically Reviewed on 9/24/2021
Doctor's Notes on Testicle Infection (Epididymitis)
A testicular self-examination (TSE) is used to help detect testicular cancer, the most common solid tumor found in males age 20-34 years. The best time to examine testicles is during or after a shower or bath because the warm water allows the scrotum to relax and the testicles to the dropdown. It is recommended that young men examine themselves once a month. A doctor can instruct you on the correct way to do a testicular self-examination. If you find a lump, contact a doctor for an evaluation.
Symptoms of testicular cancer include
- a small, painless lump in a testicle,
- a feeling of heaviness in the testicle,
- enlarging male breasts or breast tenderness,
- testicle enlargement,
- a new collection of fluid or blood in the scrotum around the testicle, or
- testicular pain.
What is the Treatment for a Testicular Lump Found on Testicular Self-Examination?
If a testicular lump or mass is found on testicular self-examination, see your doctor. You will most likely be sent to a urologist for an evaluation. An ultrasound may be ordered to better indicate the type of lump. Most lumps are benign and do not need any specific treatment.
Treatment for a testicular lump depends on the type of lump.
- Hydroceles are fluid-filled cysts on the testicle
- Large hydroceles may need to be drained or surgically removed, but most times do not require treatment
- Epididymitis is an infection of the sperm storage area adjacent to the testicle and when enlarged feels like a lump
- Epididymitis is treated with antibiotics and pain medications
- Treatment for testicular cancer usually includes surgery to remove the tumor, often followed by chemotherapy
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Chlamydia Infection
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Inflammation of the Testicle (Orchitis)
Orchitis is inflammation of one or both testicles in men, usually caused by an infection. Examples of causes of orchitis include a viral infection such as mumps, mononucleosis, coxsackievirus, E. coli, and STDs. Symptoms of orchitis include testicular swelling, redness, and pain; fever; nausea; fatigue; headache; body aches; and pain during urination. Treatment of orchitis depends upon the cause. -
Mumps
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
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Testicular Cancer
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Testicular Pain (Right, Left Side, and Back Pain)
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Testicular Torsion vs. Infection
Testicular torsion is a painful condition of the testicle due to twisting the spermatic cord that causes loss of blood to the testicle. This a surgical emergency. Testicle infection (also termed testicular infection and/or orchitis) generally means infection of the testicles by various bacteria and/or viruses.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.