An enlarged testicle can stem from various issues like infections (orchitis, epididymitis from STIs/UTIs), fluid buildup (hydrocele, spermatocele), swollen veins (varicocele), hernias, or injury, but it can also signal serious problems like testicular cancer or a twisted spermatic cord (torsion), the latter being a medical emergency, so any new swelling needs prompt medical evaluation.
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.
Treatment for an enlarged testicle depends on its cause. For example, antibiotics can help treat bacterial infections, while doctors may drain a testicular cyst in office. Self-care like applying a cool compress or wearing supportive underwear may also soothe symptoms.
Pain, swelling or lumps in your testicle or groin area may be a sign or symptom of testicular cancer or other medical conditions requiring treatment. Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include: A lump or swelling in either testicle. A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
Your testicles and scrotum may swell due to an injury, infection or tumor. If you notice swelling (with or without pain) or a hard lump, contact a urology doctor.
Swollen or painful testicles can be caused by many different things. Testicular torsion is one cause of swelling and pain — this is a medical emergency. It's important to regularly check your testicles for new lumps or swellings.
A urologist is a specialist in treating diseases and disorders of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. They advise on anything to do with your urinary and reproductive organs – such as the kidney, bladder, prostate, penis and testicles. So this person knows their stuff when it comes to nuts.
Most often, the first symptom of testicular cancer is a lump on the testicle, or the testicle has become swollen or larger. It's normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other, and for one to hang lower than the other. Some testicular tumors cause pain, but most of the time they don't.
Bevers shares some of the most common cancer symptoms in men.
Starting with one side, gently roll the scrotum with your fingers to feel the surface of the testicle. Check for any lumps, bumps or unusual features. Contrary to what many assume, cancerous tumors typically aren't painful. Make note of any changes in size over time.
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.
Your testicles get compressed when you sit. This may lead to discomfort. Pain from sitting is usually temporary. Getting up to move more often can help relieve pain.
Causes of testicle lumps and swellings
Lumps and swellings in the testicles can have lots of different causes. 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.
Home Care
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.
The 5 key warning signs of prostate cancer often involve urinary changes and sexual health issues, including frequent urination (especially at night), a weak or interrupted urine flow, difficulty starting/stopping urination, painful urination/ejaculation, and blood in the urine or semen, though advanced signs can include bone pain or unexplained weight loss, but early stages often have no symptoms.
About 90% of cancers are caused by environmental and lifestyle factors, not genetics, including smoking, poor diet (red meat, fried foods), alcohol, sun exposure, pollutants, infections, obesity, and inactivity; only 5–10% are due to inherited genetic defects, with most cancers arising from lifestyle-induced genetic mutations. Tobacco alone accounts for about a third of cancer deaths, while diet, obesity, and inactivity contribute significantly, with controllable factors being key to prevention.
Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland, part of the male reproductive system. It usually grows slowly, and many people don't need treatment right away. But some types can spread quickly and are harder to treat. Early diagnosis improves the chances of long-term survival.
Testis cancer is most common in men in their late 20s and early 30s, with an average age of diagnosis of 33 years old.
A lump or swelling in part of one testicle is the most common symptom of a testicular cancer. It can be as small as a pea but may be much larger. Most testicular lumps are not cancer. But do contact your GP surgery to make an appointment to see your doctor, so you can be checked.
It's common for men to mistake a testicular cyst (also called a spermatocele) for testicular cancer. What is a testicular cyst? A testicular cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops within the testicle. It is usually non-cancerous (benign) and does not spread to other parts of the body.
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.
Swelling of the scrotum. Abdominal pain. Nausea and vomiting. A testicle that's positioned higher than normal or at an unusual angle.
Other potential causes include testicular torsion, epididymitis, or referred pain from a hernia or kidney stone. Because many of these conditions affect one side more than the other, pain in a single testicle, especially when persistent, should be evaluated by a urologist.
Swollen testicles (scrotal swelling) are larger than usual. They may look discolored or shiny. Several conditions can cause swollen testicles, including trauma, cysts and testicular cancer. Healthcare providers can diagnose and treat the cause.