Treating an enlarged testicle requires identifying the cause, which can range from infections (needing antibiotics) to fluid buildup (hydrocele), enlarged veins (varicocele), or injury, with home care like rest, ice, elevation, and supportive underwear easing discomfort, but sudden, severe pain means immediate ER attention for emergencies like torsion, while any persistent lump needs a doctor's check for issues like cancer.
Hydroceles typically go away on their own in children. However, adult men are often required to undergo a hydrocelectomy to get rid of a hydrocele that refuses to disappear. Your doctor will make a small cut in your scrotum to remove the sac that surrounds the fluid.
Apply ice packs to the scrotum for the first 24 hours, followed by sitz baths to decrease swelling. Don't apply the ice directly to the scrotum, rather place it in a towel or washcloth and apply that. Elevate scrotum by placing a rolled up towel between your legs. It will help relieve pain and swelling.
After ejaculation, some men notice that their testicles seem a bit smaller or less swollen. This can happen because, during arousal and ejaculation, there is increased blood flow and later a return to normal circulation, which may change how the testicles feel.
Causes of testicle lumps and swellings
Most are caused by something less serious, such as a build-up of fluid (cyst) or swollen veins in the testicles (varicocele). But sometimes they can be a sign of something serious, such as testicular cancer. Do not try to self-diagnose the cause of your lump – always see a GP.
Immediate action required: Go to A&E immediately or call 999 if you have: sudden, severe pain in a testicle. testicle pain along with feeling sick, being sick or pain in your tummy. testicle pain that has lasted more than an hour or continues when you're resting.
In most cases of bacterial infection, you should start to feel better a few days after starting antibiotics. However, swelling can take several weeks to improve. It's possible to experience discomfort or swelling for weeks or even months after you finish your course of antibiotics.
It's normal for guys to have one testicle a bit bigger than the other. A normal size difference is about the size of half a teaspoon, and usually the right testicle is larger than the left. If one testicle is just a little bigger than the other, you can ask your doctor about it at your next checkup.
Testicular pain that only affects one side is very common, and it may be because of anatomical differences in blood flow and vein structure. The left testicle is more prone to varicoceles, which develop when valves in the scrotal veins don't function properly.
Often a spermatocele does not cause symptoms. There may be an extra lump or mass above the testicle on one side of your scrotum. Or you may notice enlargement of your scrotum. Symptoms, when present, can include pain, swelling, or redness of the scrotum or pressure at the base of the penis.
Possible causes of one testicle being bigger than the other include epididymitis, epididymal cysts, a hydrocele, testicular torsion, and more. Treatment depends on the cause. Self-exams can help detect changes. If a testicle changes size or shape, a person should contact their doctor as soon as possible.
Common Causes
Infection: The testicle and epididymis, the part of the testicle that stores sperm, can sometimes become infected, causing pain and swelling that starts quickly and gets worse. Fluid Buildup: An injury or infection can cause fluid to build up around the testicle, causing painful swelling.
Testicular pain red flags demanding immediate medical attention (ER) include sudden, severe pain, often with nausea/vomiting, fever, or injury, as this can signal a medical emergency like testicular torsion. Other red flags are significant swelling, lumps, redness, warmth, painful urination, or pain lasting over an hour, which might indicate infection (epididymitis, orchitis), hernia, kidney stones, or testicular torsion (a twisting of the spermatic cord). Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications like infertility or testicle loss.
Medicines called antibiotics can treat a scrotal mass caused by bacteria, as is often the case with epididymitis. If a virus causes epididymitis or orchitis, the usual treatment involves rest, ice and pain relief medicine.
Masturbation or Sexual Release
Masturbation or engaging in sexual activities leading to ejaculation is often considered the quickest and most straightforward method to relieve the symptoms of blue balls. Ejaculation can release the built-up blood and tension in the genitals, resolving the discomfort almost immediately.
These steps might help ease mild testicle pain: Take a pain reliever such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). You can do this unless your health care team has given you other instructions. Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers.
You can help treat scrotal swelling at home by: Avoiding strenuous activities. Elevating your scrotum with a towel. Taking a bath.
Swelling of the scrotum. Abdominal pain. Nausea and vomiting. A testicle that's positioned higher than normal or at an unusual angle.
Most often, orchitis gets better with supportive care. It can take several weeks or months before the pain and swelling go away. Rarely, complications of orchitis may include: Testicular atrophy.
Hold the swollen part of the body above the level of the heart several times a day. Sometimes, raising the swollen area during sleep can be helpful. Massage. Stroking the affected area toward the heart using firm, but not painful, pressure might help move fluid out of that area.
Key Takeaways. It is normal for one testicle to be a little bigger or hang lower than the other. If a testicle suddenly changes size or is painful, see a healthcare provider. Check your testicles every month for lumps or changes.
See a GP if:
A swollen or painful testicle should not be ignored as it can be a sign of an urgent and serious illness. You should see a doctor immediately if you have: sudden or severe pain in your testicles, lower abdomen (tummy) or groin. sudden testicular swelling or tenderness.
Anatomical Variation
The asymmetry in testicular position is primarily due to natural anatomical variation. The left testis is commonly lower than the right due to differences in the length of the spermatic cord, which suspends the testis within the scrotum.