[19M] Experiencing throbbing testicular pain with lower back discomfort

Patient Description

A 19-year-old male has been experiencing a throbbing pain in his testicles for the past four days, which is sensitive to the touch and accompanied by lower back pain. The pain covers the entire left testicle, both front and back, and has started suddenly upon waking. There is noticeable swelling in the affected area but no redness. The patient reports no fever, urinary symptoms, nausea, vomiting, recent sexual activity, or history of injury. He has no pre-existing conditions, chronic illnesses, or current medication use.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible conditions include:

  • Epididymitis: This is an inflammation of the epididymis, a tube located at the back of the testicles. It can cause pain and swelling in the testicles. It's often caused by bacterial infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but you've mentioned that you haven't had any recent sexual activity.

    • Treatment typically involves antibiotics, pain relievers, and rest.

  • Testicular Torsion: This is a serious condition caused by the twisting of the spermatic cord, which can cut off the blood supply to the testicle. It can cause sudden, severe testicular pain and swelling. However, it's usually associated with severe pain and other symptoms like nausea and vomiting, which you haven't reported.

    • This is a medical emergency and requires immediate surgery to untwist the cord and restore blood flow.

  • Orchitis: This is an inflammation of one or both testicles, often caused by infections. It can cause testicular pain and swelling.

    • Treatment typically involves antibiotics, pain relievers, and rest.

  • Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Sometimes, kidney stones can cause referred pain to the testicles and lower back.

    • Treatment typically involves pain relievers and drinking lots of water to help pass the stone. In some cases, medical procedures may be needed to remove or break up larger stones.

What you can do

Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In the meantime, here are some things you can do:

  1. Rest and elevate your scrotum: Try lying down with your scrotum elevated. This can help reduce pain and swelling.
  2. Apply cold packs: Use a cold pack on your scrotum to help reduce swelling. Be sure to wrap the cold pack in a thin cloth to avoid damaging the skin.
  3. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription pain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), may help reduce pain.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your pain becomes severe or unbearable
  • You develop a fever
  • You start to feel nauseous or vomit
  • You notice blood in your urine

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.

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8 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common causes of testicular pain and swelling?

Common causes of testicular pain and swelling include epididymitis, testicular torsion, orchitis, and sometimes referred pain from kidney stones. Each condition has different underlying causes and requires specific treatments.

How can I differentiate between epididymitis and testicular torsion?

Epididymitis often presents with gradual onset of pain, swelling, and sometimes fever, and is usually treated with antibiotics. Testicular torsion, on the other hand, causes sudden, severe pain and swelling, and is a medical emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention.

What are the treatment options for testicular pain caused by infections?

Treatment for testicular pain caused by infections like epididymitis or orchitis typically involves antibiotics to address the infection, pain relievers to manage discomfort, and rest. In some cases, supportive measures like scrotal elevation and cold packs may also be recommended.

Can kidney stones cause testicular pain and how are they treated?

Yes, kidney stones can cause referred pain to the testicles. Treatment usually involves pain management, increased fluid intake to help pass the stone, and in some cases, medical procedures to remove or break up larger stones.

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1 Comments

Leo#3962

8 mo ago

Please go to the emergency room right now if you haven’t already. This sounds like inflammation or torsion of the testicle. If not treated asap, there’s a high likelihood you will lose that testicle

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