Causes of left testicle pain and treatment methods

Some men suffer from pain in the left testicle without knowing the reason behind it, which makes them wonder about the need to visit a doctor and the necessary instructions to get rid of this pain              Dalili Medical reviews in the following report the causes of left testicle pain according to our website.

**What is sudden left testicle pain?**

The testicles are an essential part of the male reproductive organs, and they are two small egg-shaped balls located inside a thin bag of skin known as the scrotum, which hangs outside the body. Sudden left testicle pain can occur at any age, and may range from mild pain to severe pain that requires treatment. The source of the pain is often not the testicle itself, but other parts of the body such as the stomach or thigh, which is considered secondary pain. The pain may appear when sitting or touching the testicle, and sometimes it is mild but increases when standing or doing any physical activity, because the testicles contain a large number of sensitive nerves.

**Specifications of a healthy testicle**

A healthy testicle has several characteristics related to its internal structure and external shape, and we will review them in detail below:

When talking about a healthy testicle in children, its normal size must be noted, as the size of a male infant's testicle is about 1 cubic centimeter at birth, and remains at this size until growth begins at about the age of eight. After that, the testicle grows regularly to reach its appropriate size during puberty, when hair begins to grow on the scrotum and around the genitals. As for the specifications of a healthy testicle in men, its average size is about 4 x 3 x 2 cm.

As for the shape of the testicles, it is oval, due to the tissues known as lobules, which consist of coiled tubes surrounded by dense connective tissue. The testicles tend to grow at the same rate, although one of them may be slightly larger, and it is also common for one of them to hang slightly lower than the other. When dissecting the testicles, we find that the seminiferous tubules make up the largest part of their volume, as the cells and tissues in these tubules contribute to the production of sperm. These tubules are also lined with a layer of tissue known as the epithelium tissue, which consists of Sertoli cells that help produce the hormones necessary for sperm generation. The tissue surrounding the seminiferous tubules is known as Leydig cells, which are responsible for producing hormones such as testosterone and other androgens.

**Rete testis**

After sperm are formed in the seminiferous tubules, these sperm move to the epididymis through the rete testis. This network plays a role in mixing the sperm cells with the fluid secreted by the Sertoli cells, as the body absorbs this fluid as the sperm travel to the epididymis. The sperm are unable to move before they reach the epididymis, but millions of small projections known as microvilli help push the sperm along the tubules until they reach the epididymis.

**Efferent ducts**

The efferent ducts consist of a series of tubes that connect the testicular reticulum to the epididymis, where sperm are stored until they mature. These ducts are lined with cilia that help move the sperm, in addition to a layer of smooth muscle that helps transport them. The efferent ducts also absorb most of the fluid secreted by the Sertoli cells, which increases the concentration of sperm in the semen.

**Does the size of the testicle affect its health?**

In general, the size of the testicle does not directly affect its health, but the size of the testicle may affect the amount of sperm it produces. When the testicle is large in some large animals, it produces a larger amount of semen than small testicles in other animals. Sheep with larger testicles are also more attractive to females than those with smaller testicles.

**Left Testicle Pain Causes**

Many conditions can cause left testicle pain, including:

- **Testicular trauma**: Direct trauma, such as sports injuries, direct kicks, or car accidents, is the cause of 85% of left or right testicle pain, or both. Minor trauma often causes the left testicle to swell with mild pain. Traumatic testicular injuries usually do not cause serious complications, but in some cases they can lead to more serious conditions such as testicular rupture, which is a medical emergency. Testicular trauma may also cause other symptoms such as swelling of the testicle or scrotum, bruising of the scrotum, pain in the perineum (the area between the scrotum and the anus), and sometimes nausea and vomiting.

**Testicular Torsion**

Testicular torsion occurs when the testicle twists around itself, twisting the spermatic cord that supplies the testicle with blood. This twisting causes blood flow to the testicle to be cut off, leading to sudden, severe pain in the left testicle. Testicular torsion is often accompanied by other symptoms such as redness or blueness of the testicle, swelling, nausea, and vomiting. Testicular torsion usually occurs as a result of direct trauma, and this condition is considered an emergency that requires immediate surgical intervention to avoid damage to the testicular tissue.

**Testicular Cancer**

Left testicle pain can be a sign of testicular cancer, especially if the man has:

- A family history of testicular cancer.

- Swelling in the scrotum.

- A lump in the scrotum during self-examination.

**Epididymitis**

Epididymitis is an inflammation of the coiled tube behind the testicle that carries sperm. It can affect anyone at any age, but is more common in

Sexually active men between the ages of 19 and 40. Epididymitis may be associated with orchitis, and sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea and syphilis are often the cause. In some cases, a urinary tract infection such as E. coli can be the cause. Other symptoms of left or right testicle pain include fever, lower abdominal pain, discharge from the penis, nausea or vomiting, and swelling of the testicle.

**Inguinal hernia**

An inguinal hernia is a condition that occurs when part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscle in the groin, the area where the upper thigh meets the abdomen, into the scrotum. An inguinal hernia causes pain in the scrotum or in the left or right testicle, and often causes the scrotum to bulge. An inguinal hernia can be treated with surgery, but it is not considered an emergency unless the hernia is strangulated, causing the abdominal wall muscles to press on part of the intestine and cut off blood flow to it, which requires immediate medical intervention to avoid damage to the intestine.

**Testicular torsion**

Testicular torsion is a condition that occurs when the testicle twists around the axis of the spermatic cord, cutting off blood flow to the testicle. This condition requires immediate surgical treatment within six hours to avoid permanent damage, and causes severe pain in the testicle.

**Varicocele**

Varicocele is a condition in which the veins in the scrotum, which holds the testicles, appear clearly and enlarged. It often occurs as a result of a defect in the small veins in the scrotum, which leads to decreased blood flow and blood flowing backwards, causing it to collect in the lower parts of the veins. Sometimes, varicocele can cause pain in the testicle.

Hydrocele is a condition that occurs when fluid or blood collects in the thin layer of tissue surrounding each testicle inside the scrotum, causing swelling and sometimes pain. This condition is most common in newborns, and often goes away on its own after about a year.

As for injuries, left testicle pain can result from injuries from exercise, fights, or car accidents, and usually improves with cold compresses in mild cases.

Bacterial infections are also a possible cause of testicular pain, as sexually transmitted diseases can lead to inflammation and swelling of the testicle, causing severe pain. Some viruses, such as mumps, can also cause testicular infections.

A spermatic abscess, also known as a spermatocele, is a medical condition that affects the testicles as a result of a cyst in the epididymis, which is the small tube that collects and transports sperm. When a cyst occurs in this area, it can fill with fluid containing sperm, sometimes causing swelling and pain in the scrotum and testicles.

Sometimes, the source of testicular pain can be caused by problems in nearby areas, such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or an inguinal hernia, which occurs when the intestines bulge due to a tear in the abdominal wall near the groin or scrotum.

The testicles are susceptible to injuries in sports or accidents, as the left testicle tends to hang down more than the right, making it more susceptible to injury. While minor trauma may cause temporary pain that goes away with time or the use of ice, more serious injuries require medical evaluation. It is important to seek immediate medical attention in the event of a hydrocele or a ruptured testicle.

**Orchitis**

Orchitis is often caused by an infection, such as mumps. Most often, orchitis does not occur alone, but is accompanied by epididymitis, which is often the result of a sexually transmitted infection. Orchitis causes symptoms similar to those of epididymitis, such as fever, scrotal swelling, and pain in the left testicle if the inflammation is in that testicle, in addition to other symptoms.

**Testicular rupture**

Testicle rupture is a complication resulting from the testicle being exposed to trauma or a penetrating injury, such as a cut or a stab wound, which leads to the tearing of the connective tissue that covers the testicle, and thus the testicular tissue coming out of its place. Testicular rupture causes blood to collect inside the scrotum (hematocele) around the testicle, which requires urgent surgical intervention.

**Spermatocele**

Spermatocele is a condition in which a cyst forms on the tube that carries sperm, known as the epididymis. This condition may occur in one of the testicles, either the right or the left. If the cyst is small, there may be no symptoms, but if it increases in size, the patient may feel pain and heaviness in the affected testicle.

**Symptoms of sudden left testicle pain**

Symptoms are a strong indicator that helps the patient identify his problem, and they are also the doctor's tool to determine the exact cause of the pain. Here are the most prominent symptoms of sudden left testicle pain:

- **Sudden pain**: The patient feels sudden pain, which varies in severity depending on the cause, and is often in the form of sharp pain followed by mild pain. If the pain is caused by kidney stones, the patient may also feel sharp pain in the back and tip of the penis.

- **Bruising**: Bruising may be observed in the scrotum area if the testicle is exposed to any injury.

- **Feeling nauseous**: This symptom may be present in many other cases, such as orchitis, kidney stones, and testicular injuries.

**Scrotal swelling:** The patient may notice redness and swelling in the scrotum with a lump in it, which can also occur in cases of orchitis or epididymitis.

**Problems with urination:** The patient may experience an increased need to urinate, in addition to a burning sensation during urination, and blood may be noticed in the urine.

**High temperature:** Pain often indicates

Severe testicular pain with fever may indicate orchitis or epididymitis.

**Left testicular pain requires medical evaluation:**

A patient who has left testicular pain accompanied by any of the following symptoms should seek medical evaluation:

- Fever.

- Pain in the left testicle with abdominal pain.

- Scrotal swelling.

- Testicular swelling.

- Redness or heat of the scrotum.

- Purulent, bloody, green or yellow discharge from the penis.

- Blood collection in the scrotum or feeling of a lump or swelling in it.

- Nausea or vomiting.

**Diagnosis of left testicular pain**

A physical examination and knowledge of the medical history help guide the diagnosis towards the main cause of left testicular pain, which helps in choosing the appropriate treatment accurately according to the cause. Tests that a doctor may perform to determine the cause of pain in the left or right testicle include the following:

- Performing a complete blood test to detect inflammation or infection in the body and determine the severity of the inflammation.

- Using ultrasound to image the abdomen to rule out conditions that may cause testicular pain or those that show similar symptoms.

- Performing a urine analysis or culture to determine the cause of orchitis, such as identifying the type of bacteria causing it.

- Using magnetic resonance imaging to examine the testicular tissue and determine the cause of the pain.

**What are the methods for treating sudden left testicular pain?**

Doctors always recommend trying simple methods to relieve pain through home treatments, including:

- Applying ice packs to the affected area.

- Wearing sports supports.

- Using a rolled towel to support the scrotum while lying down.

- Taking painkillers regularly.

- Taking a hot bath.

When the methods we mentioned above do not succeed in relieving the pain, alternative solutions should be sought to treat sudden left testicular pain. These solutions include continuing to take the following medications:

- **Antibiotics**: They are very effective in treating epididymitis or orchitis resulting from a bacterial infection, and when the inflammation goes away, the patient's pain disappears.

- **Tricyclic antidepressants**: They are widely used to treat chronic nerve pain in the absence of any inflammation, the most prominent of which is the drug Amitriptyline.

- **Surgical intervention**: The doctor may choose this treatment option based on the cause of the pain, such as the presence of tumors or varicocele, and other conditions that require a surgical procedure.

 Why might you feel pain in the left testicle that extends to the kidneys?

Sometimes, the pain in the left testicle may extend to the kidneys, which is a condition that calls for concern, as it can have multiple causes such as:

- **Kidney stones**: The pain felt by the patient may be due to the presence of kidney stones, and the symptoms appear in the form of severe pain in the lower abdomen and urine mixed with blood.

- **Epididymitis**: If there is severe inflammation in the epididymis, the pain may spread to the kidneys, leading to a clear feeling of pain in the testicle area, in addition to swelling and heat in the scrotum.

- **Urinary tract infection**: Infection or inflammation in the urinary tract may cause severe pain, and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as burning during urination, discomfort, and increased need to urinate.

What should I do if I feel pain in my left testicle?

It is important to look for the main cause behind this pain and treat it, but there are some tips that can be followed to relieve pain in the left or right testicle. Dr. Hamdan recommends following the following instructions:

1. **Taking painkillers**: It is preferable to use general painkillers to relieve pain, with the need to avoid overusing them to avoid any potential damage to the kidneys.

2. **Drinking fluids**: Keeping the body hydrated by drinking sufficient amounts of water helps reduce the severity of pain significantly.

3. **Protecting the scrotum**: It is recommended to wear comfortable and soft clothing on the skin to protect the testicles and scrotum from any sudden rise in temperature.

4. **Pay attention to personal hygiene**: Care must be taken to clean the body, especially the scrotum area, by bathing with warm water, which helps to relieve pain in the left testicle.

Can prostate congestion cause pain in the left testicle?

Yes, sudden pain in the left testicle is a common symptom associated with prostatitis problems. It should be noted that the pain may move from the left testicle to the right and vice versa.

Congestion in the prostate can lead to a clear feeling of pain, and this pain may last for up to 6 weeks. It is necessary for the patient to adhere to taking antibiotics to ensure that the problem is resolved permanently.

**Treatment of swelling and pain in the right or left testicle with herbs**

**Apple cider vinegar:** Apple cider vinegar is considered an effective treatment for testicular infections, as it helps stimulate blood circulation and treat infections. You can drink a cup of water with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.

**Sidr honey:** Sidr honey is known for its ability to treat many diseases thanks to its antioxidant content. It can be taken with a cup of water or black seed, or used topically by applying honey directly to the affected testicle.

**Golden ring:** Golden ring is considered an important herb for treating orchitis and epididymitis, as it contributes to treating bacterial infections directly.

**Christine:** Christine is used to combat infections and reduce their severity, but you should consult a doctor before using it.

**Ginkgo Biloba:** It is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects and improve blood circulation, and may be used to relieve pain and swelling associated with varicocele.

**Mustard:** Mustard is believed to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, and whipped mustard paste can be used topically on the affected testicle.

**Grape seeds:** Grape seeds help

In strengthening blood vessels.

**Marshmallow:** It contributes to stimulating blood circulation and ensuring its arrival to the testicle. It can be used by mixing equal amounts of marshmallow with date pit flour and adding a little vinegar, then applying the mixture to the testicle.

**Rand:** Treats testicular pain and improves tissue health to protect sperm. It can be used by mashing some rand leaves with rue leaves, then squeezing them well and using the juice to wash the testicle for best results.

**Green tea**: It has a high ability to relieve pain, thanks to its effective elements in fighting inflammation, which makes it useful in treating left testicle pain.

**Dandelion**: It is considered an effective plant in relieving pain and treating many diseases, including left testicle pain, as it contributes to treating orchitis and multiple epididymal injuries.

**Turmeric**: It is one of the herbs that contribute to the treatment of many infections, thanks to its antioxidant content, which makes it an effective treatment for left testicle pain when added to some foods.

**Garlic**: It contains elements equivalent to the best types of antibiotics, due to its high content of antioxidants that help get rid of many infections and relieve pain, including left testicle pain.

**Treatment of left testicle pain**

Treatment of orchitis depends on treating the underlying cause that led to this inflammation, which could be:

**Bacterial treatment:** Before addressing the treatments for bacterial infections, it must be emphasized the importance of abstaining from sexual relations during the treatment period, as these relations may be one of the contributing causes to the problem. Bacterial orchitis can be treated by taking antibiotics, and this must be done under the supervision of the attending physician to avoid any complications.

**Viral treatment:** If the cause of orchitis is viral, then under normal circumstances it may disappear on its own, which means that there is no specific treatment, but some methods can be followed to help in the recovery process, such as:

- Applying ice packs to the testicle to relieve pain.

- Taking some painkillers.

**Treatment of right orchitis:** It is not much different from the treatment of the left testicle, as it also depends on determining the cause that led to the inflammation, whether bacterial or viral, and then starting the appropriate treatment.

**Treatment of bacterial orchitis:** It is necessary to take the full dose prescribed by the doctor and not to stop treatment when feeling better or the pain decreases. Right orchitis resulting from a bacterial infection is treated with antibiotics, and if the infection is sexually transmitted, the partner also needs treatment.

Drug treatment can be accompanied by some home remedies such as rest, using ice packs, and taking painkillers to relieve discomfort.

**Viral Treatment:** There is no specific treatment for viral inflammation, as this condition usually goes away on its own. Antibiotics are not effective in this case, but some palliative treatments can be followed to relieve symptoms, such as:

- Taking painkillers.

- Applying ice packs to the testicle.

- Resting at home.

Varicocele treatment may not be necessary unless it causes pain or fertility problems. In this case, it is preferable to discuss treatment options with a urologist. Surgery can stop blood flow in the enlarged part of the affected vein and redirect it through other veins. Surgery is usually effective in relieving pain and restoring proper testicular function. Less than 10% of patients who have undergone varicocele surgery suffer from a recurrence of the condition.

**Treatment of orchitis** depends on the underlying cause of the inflammation. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, while viral infections usually require a longer recovery period. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help relieve symptoms.

**Spermatocele Treatment**: If you are experiencing pain and discomfort, a surgical procedure known as a spermectomy may be necessary. It should be noted that this procedure can affect fertility, so in some cases men are advised to wait until they have finished having children before deciding to undergo the procedure.

**Testicular Torsion Treatment**: Testicular torsion requires surgical intervention, although an emergency physician may be able to temporarily release the cord. The procedure involves securing the testicle with threads to the inner wall of the scrotum to prevent future twisting.

**Hydrocele Treatment**: Surgery may be required to remove the hydrocele. After the procedure, you may need to drain the fluid or blood surrounding the testicle, which is known as a hydrocele removal. It is advisable to continue self-examinations, as the hydrocele can form again even after it is removed.

**Testicular Injury Treatment**: In cases of severe damage, surgery may be needed to preserve the testicle or to prevent complications. Mild injuries can be treated with oral painkillers for a day or two.

**Testicular cancer treatment**: Treatment for testicular cancer depends on the stage of the tumor and how far it has spread. If the infection is in one testicle and the other is healthy, the affected testicle is removed while preserving sexual function. If the infection has spread outside the scrotum, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are used to eliminate cancer cells.

**Radiation therapy**: This involves the use of high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells, and is usually used if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.

**Chemotherapy**: Chemotherapy involves taking medications orally or injecting them into the body to target cancer cells.

Cancer and its destruction. This type of treatment is usually used when the cancer has spread outside the testicles. Germ cell tumors represent the largest percentage of testicular cancers. Radiation or chemotherapy may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease or other types of cancer. Therefore, your doctor may recommend regular visits to monitor your condition.

**Testicular torsion treatment**: The emergency physician can return the testicle to its original position and relieve the twisting of the spermatic cord using his hands to restore blood flow. If this operation is performed within 6 hours of the torsion, the testicle returns to its normal state. However, the chance of saving the testicle decreases to zero after 24 hours of torsion. In this case, surgical intervention is required to fix the testicle to the back wall of the scrotum to prevent future torsion.

**Testicular cancer treatment**: Treatment for testicular cancer depends on the stage of the tumor and its spread. If the infection is in one testicle and the other is healthy, the affected testicle is removed while preserving the man's sexual function. If the infection spreads outside the scrotum, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are used to eliminate cancer cells.

**Treatment of orchitis**: Treatment methods vary depending on the cause of the infection. In cases of viral or bacterial infection, rest and antibiotics prescribed by the doctor are required. If the cause is bacterial only, ice packs can be used on the scrotum to relieve pain and heat.

**Testicular trauma treatment**: Treatment of testicular trauma depends on the type of injury. In cases of simple trauma that do not result in damage to the testicular tissue, painkillers, rest and topical application of ice can be used. However, in the event of a testicle tear, dislocation, or blood accumulation and the formation of a hematoma, immediate surgical intervention is required to restore testicular function.

**Prevention of testicular pain and diseases**

Testicular pain can be avoided by taking a set of measures, some of which relate to protecting the testicle, such as wearing protective clothing during exercise, and others aim to prevent the transmission of diseases to the testicle and its surroundings, such as vaccinations and avoiding unsafe sexual practices.

**Wearing protective clothing during sports:** The testicles are exposed to a lot of injury during sports such as football and hockey, so it is necessary to use special protectors to protect them. Among these tools is the "Athletic Cup" made of hard plastic, which covers the testicles and is used by players to protect them from injuries. These protectors must be the right size to ensure their effectiveness, just like a helmet.

**Practicing safe sex:** Unprotected sexual practices increase the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis and AIDS, which can cause infections that lead to testicular pain. Therefore, it is important to use condoms and stick to one partner to reduce the risk of transmitting diseases that may affect the testicles.

**Periodic self-examination of the testicles and scrotum:** Regular examination of the testicles is an important step in early detection of causes of testicular pain such as infections, hydrocele, or cancer. Every adult man is advised to perform this examination once a month to check for any changes in the shape and size of the testicles. It is normal for the left testicle to be lower than the right, and for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other. The examination is done by feeling each testicle individually using both hands gently, then searching behind the testicle for the connected sperm tubes to ensure that they are intact and free of lumps. The individual must have a clear idea of ​​the normal shape of the testicle so that he can notice any changes when they occur.

**Avoid wearing tight clothing:** Tight underwear greatly affects the comfort of the testicles, which may lead to pain and compression. Therefore, it is preferable to wear loose, cotton clothing to reduce pressure and friction as much as possible.

**Vaccination against mumps:** Mumps is a viral disease that affects the parotid salivary glands located in front of the ear. Among its serious complications is orchitis, which is accompanied by pain and swelling. Studies have shown that the vaccine contributes to preventing mumps, and thus protects against the resulting orchitis.