
Common Causes
Treatment
- corticosteroid creams available over the counter or stronger prescribed preparations
- corticosteroid injections for severe eczema that’s not controlled by creams
- steroid-free anti-inflammatory medications like pimecrolimus (Elidel) cream and tacrolimus (Protopic) ointment to suppress your immune system response
- anti-anxiety medications
Related Conditions
9 Common Causes of Testicular Pain
- Kidney Stones. Kidney stones are deposits of minerals, such as salts, that form in your kidneys. ...
- Hernia. ...
- Varicoceles. ...
- Prostate Cancer. ...
- Testicular Tumor. ...
- Epididymitis. ...
- Orchitis. ...
- Testicular Torsion. ...
- Being hit in the groin. ...
- Other common ailments that can cause testicular pain: Do you have any testicular pain that is affecting you every day? ...
How do you treat a fungal infection on the scrotum?
chronic pain due to untreated chronic epididymitis. spread of infection – the infection can spread from the scrotum to any other structure or system of the body. In conclusion, epididymitis will never go away and epididymitis pain comes and goes if people don't take any medical treatments.
What caused my scrotum/testicular pain?
To reduce swelling, follow the steps below:
- Eat a healthy diet. During the recovery period, the body will need all the nutrients to nurture specifically the broken tissues. ...
- Apply ice pack or a cold compress on the affected area. ...
- Use compression garment in all shapes and sizes. These compression garments are helpful in reducing the swelling by pressing all the liquids that cause it. ...
Does epididymitis ever go away?
How to reduce testicle swelling?

How do you treat an infected scrotum?
If you have an infection, you'll usually be given antibiotics. Depending on the cause of the infection, you may be given antibiotic injections or tablets, or a combination of both. You should start to feel better within a few days, but it may take up to 2 weeks to fully recover.
What happens if your balls get infected?
Orchitis (pronounced or-kit-es) is a swelling in one or both testicles. It's the result of an infection, which may be viral, bacterial or sexually transmitted (STI). You may have mild to severe pain and swelling. Orchitis often begins in one testicle, and then gradually spreads to the other.
Is testicle infection serious?
Most cases of orchitis caused by bacteria need treatment right away. If you notice redness, swelling, pain, or inflammation of the scrotum or testicle, call your doctor right away. These can also be symptoms of a serious condition called testicular torsion, which is when one of your testicles is twisted.
Can testicle infection go away?
Acute epididymitis is felt quickly with redness and pain, and it goes away with treatment. Chronic epididymitis typically is a duller pain, develops slowly and is a longer-term problem. Symptoms of chronic epididymitis can get better, but may not go away fully with treatment and may come and go.
Can epididymitis go away on its own?
The treatment of pediatric epididymitis will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. In many causes, the condition may resolve on its own, aided by rest and pain relievers like ibuprofen. In a bacterial infection, like one due to a UTI, a healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotics.
Is epididymitis serious?
An epididymitis infection can lead to serious problems if it's not treated in a timely manner. Chronic epididymitis could cause an abscess to form on your scrotum. Or it could destroy your epididymis, resulting in infertility. In some cases, the infection can spread to other parts of your body.
How do you know if your balls are infected?
A swollen, red or warm scrotum. Testicle pain and tenderness, usually on one side, that usually comes on gradually. Painful urination or an urgent or frequent need to urinate.
Can you get epididymitis from not ejaculating?
Epididymitis is an inflammation involving the epididymis, a long, narrow tube tightly coiled at the back of the testicles which store and carry sperm. Sexually active men in their 20s and 30s are the group most affected by epididymitis but it can strike men of any age, and men who are celibate are not exempt.
Does ejaculating hurt epididymitis?
Most urologists will agree that chronic epididymitis can be unilateral or bilateral; can range from mild, intermittent discomfort to severe, constant pain; can be exacerbated by certain activities, including ejaculation; can be associated with a normal-feeling or enlarged indurated epididymis; and appears to wax and ...
How do guys get epididymitis?
Causes of epididymitis Epididymitis is often caused by an infection from other areas—like the urethra, bladder, prostate, or kidney—that spreads to the epididymis. In men under 35 years old, it is more commonly caused by a sexually transmitted disease (STD) such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.
What STD causes swollen testicle?
Infection – Orchitis (inflammation of the testicle) can be caused by bacterial and viral diseases such as the STDs chlamydia and gonorrhea, and the mumps virus.
How do you know if your balls are infected?
A swollen, red or warm scrotum. Testicle pain and tenderness, usually on one side, that usually comes on gradually. Painful urination or an urgent or frequent need to urinate.
Why is one of my balls swollen?
Common Causes Fluid Buildup: An injury or infection can cause fluid to build up around the testicle, causing painful swelling. This is called a hydrocele. Varicocele: A varicocele is essentially varicose veins of the scrotum and can result in testicular swelling and aching.
What happens when your balls swell up?
Scrotal swelling can occur due to injury or an underlying medical condition. It may be caused by a buildup of fluid, inflammation, or an abnormal growth within the scrotum. The swelling may be painless or very painful. If the swelling is painful, seek emergency treatment.
How long does it take for a scrotum to swell?
In addition to receiving care from your doctor, they may suggest at-home treatment options, including: using ice on the scrotum to relieve swelling, normally within the first 24 hours of noticing the swelling. taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
What are the symptoms of a scrotal sac?
In addition to a visible enlargement of the scrotal sac, you may have additional symptoms. The symptoms you experience will depend on the cause of the swelling . Common symptoms that may be experienced alongside scrotal swelling include a lump in the testicle and pain in the testicles or scrotum.
What to do if your swelling is caused by an infection?
If an infection caused the swelling, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection. If oral antibiotics don’t work, you may have to receive intramuscular antibiotics or be hospitalized for IV antibiotics. Treatment of an underlying medical condition that is linked to your symptoms is important in your recovery.
Why does my testicles swell?
The scrotal sac, or scrotum, houses the testicles. Scrotal swelling can occur due to injury or an underlying medical condition. It may be caused by a buildup of fluid, inflammation, or an abnormal growth within the scrotum. The swelling may be painless or very painful. If the swelling is painful, seek emergency treatment.
What is the treatment for varicocele?
Your doctor can prescribe medications to help you manage your pain and may recommend a supportive garment to ease pain and swelling. Surgery may be necessary to correct the condition if the underlying cause is varicocele, hernia, or hydrocele.
What are the conditions that cause a swollen testes?
testicular cancer. abnormally enlarged veins in the scrotum. acute inflammation of the testes, called orchitis. swelling due to increased fluid, called hydrocele. hernia. inflammation or infection in the epididymis, called epididymitis. congestive heart failure.
What is the treatment for testicular cancer?
Whether the cancer has spread and how long it went undetected will determine your treatment, which normally consists of the following: chemotherapy. radiation therapy.
What does it mean when your scrotum hurts?
sudden pain or dull ache in your scrotum. pain that spreads to your groin, abdomen, or back. hard or swollen testicles. feeling of heaviness in your scrotum. a swollen, tender epididymis, which is the tube located behind your testicles that stores and transports sperm. a swollen scrotum.
Why is my scrotum red?
redness of the scrotum. If the cause of your scrotal mass is an infection, you might have a fever and feel you need to urinate more often. There might also be blood or pus in your urine.
What causes a mass in the testicles?
Cancer. Testicular cancer starts out as abnormal cells in the testicles and can be a potential cause of scrotal masses. Other potential causes of a scrotal mass include: twisting of the nerves that connect your penis to your testicles. hernia.
What to do if you have a scrotal mass?
If your scrotal mass is the result of a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be a part of your treatment. If you have a viral infection, the best course of treatment is rest and pain medication. Depending on the size, your doctor may simply leave the mass alone.
What are the other names for spermatic cysts?
Other names for this condition include spermatic cyst and epididymal cyst.
What causes orchitis?
Orchitis can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection and is commonly associated with the mumps.
What to do if you have masses in your scrotum?
If the masses in your scrotum are caused by cancer, you should see a cancer treatment specialist to evaluate whether or not you’re a good candidate for treatment. Important factors in determining if cancer treatment is right for you are your age, your overall health, and whether the cancer has spread outside of your testicles.
What is the pain in the scrotum?
A dull aching pain or feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. Pain that radiates throughout the groin, abdomen or lower back. Tender, swollen or hardened testicle. Tender, swollen or hardened epididymis (ep-ih-DID-uh-miss), the soft, comma-shaped tube above and behind the testicle that stores and transports sperm.
What causes a mass in the scrotum?
A number of disorders can result in a scrotal mass or an abnormality in the scrotum, including: Testicular cancer. Testicular cancer is a tumor containing abnormal testicular tissue, which can usually be felt as a nontender lump in the scrotum. Some men experience pain and swelling, but most tumors don't cause symptoms.
What are the risks of abnormalities in the testicles?
Abnormalities of the testicles, penis or kidneys present at birth (congenital) might increase the risk of a scrotal mass and testicular cancer later in life.
What is the name of the sac that grows near the top of the testicle?
Causes. A spermatocele, also known as a spermatic cyst, is a typically painless, noncancerous (benign), fluid-filled sac that grows near the top of a testicle. Hydrocele is the type of scrotal swelling that occurs when fluid collects in the thin sheath that surrounds the testicle.
What is the cyst above the testicle called?
Also known as a spermatic cyst or epididymal cyst, spermatocele is a typically painless, noncancerous (benign), fluid-filled sac in the scrotum, usually above the testicle. Epididymitis. This is inflammation of the epididymis, the comma-shaped structure above and behind the testicle that stores and transports sperm.
Why do you need to see a doctor for scrotal mass?
Scrotal masses need to be examined by a doctor, even if you're not in pain or having other symptoms . Scrotal masses could be cancerous or caused by another condition that affects testicular function and health. Self-examination and regular doctor exams of the scrotum are important for prompt recognition, diagnosis and treatment of scrotal masses.
What is the cause of epididymitis?
Less commonly, epididymitis is caused by a viral infection or an abnormal flow of urine into the epididymis. Orchitis. This is inflammation of the testicle usually due to a viral infection — most commonly mumps. When orchitis is caused by a bacterial infection, the epididymis also might be infected. Hydrocele.
What does it mean when your testicle is red?
A swollen, red or warm scrotum. Testicle pain and tenderness, usually on one side, that usually comes on gradually. Painful urination or an urgent or frequent need to urinate. Discharge from the penis. Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area. Blood in the semen.
What causes epididymitis in young men?
STIs. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are the most common causes of epididymitis in young, sexually active men.
How long does epididymitis last?
Epididymitis that lasts longer than six weeks or that recurs is considered chronic. Symptoms of chronic epididymitis might come on gradually. Sometimes the cause of chronic epididymitis isn't identified.
What is the history of medical procedures that affect the urinary tract?
History of medical procedures that affect the urinary tract, such as insertion of a urinary catheter or scope into the penis. An uncircumcised penis or an anatomical abnormality of the urinary tract. Prostate enlargement, which increases the risk of bladder infections and epididymitis.
What are the symptoms of epididymitis?
Signs and symptoms of epididymitis might include: Testicle pain and tenderness, usually on one side, that usually comes on gradually.
Can scrotal swelling be ignored?
Never ignore scrotal pain or swelling, which can be caused by a number of conditions. Some of them require immediate treatment to avoid permanent damage.
Can epididymitis be caused by tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis. Rarely, epididymitis can be caused by tuberculosis infection.
Who to consult for scrotal abscess?
Patients showing signs listed above can consult a general doctor for initial assessment. They may be referred to a surgeon if a scrotal abscess is suspected.
What is temporary relocation of the testes in Anteromedial Thigh Pouches?
Okwudili OA. Temporary Relocation of the Testes in Anteromedial Thigh Pouches Facilitates Delayed Primary Scrotal Wound Closure in Fournier Gangrene With Extensive Loss of Scrotal Skin-Experience With 12 Cases. Ann Plast Surg.
How to treat an abscess in the abdomen?
This will allow the affected area to heal. If there are dead tissues (which often occurs when treatment is delayed), treatment will involve surgical exploration under general anaesthesia. All dead tissue must be removed. Patients are given broad-spectrum antibiotics to prevent infection.
What are the symptoms of a urinary abscess?
Often, there is penile discharge, pain, and an increased urgency to urinate. The condition is treated with antibiotics. The abscess is also drained.
What are the conditions that affect the scrotum?
There are many conditions that can affect the scrotum. Not all of them will require treatment, but all scrotal conditions should be evaluated by a doctor. Some scrotal conditions are scrotal wall cellulites, scrotal abscess (infection of the scrotum), Fournier’s gangrene (also known as fasciitis of the scrotum and groin) ...
What causes scrotum to swell?
Most conditions of the scrotum and testicles can cause swelling, including varicocele, testicular torsion, orchitis, epididymitis and hydrocele, to name a few. If you notice any swelling of your testicles or scrotum, contact your doctor to make an appointment.
What causes testicular pain?
Testicular pain. Many testicular and scrotal conditions can cause testicular pain. Other conditions, like kidney and ureteral stones, infections, and inguinal hernias can also cause pain that can be felt in or around the testicles and scrotum. If you have testicular pain, you should contact your doctor right away.
What causes orchitis in the testicles?
Orchitis is inflammation of one or both testicles. Most of the time, it is caused by bacterial or viral infection. The mumps is a common cause of orchitis. Sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, can both lead to orchitis when they cause epididymitis (an infection of the epididymis), which in turn can lead to orchitis. This type of orchitis is called epididymo-orchitis. Signs and symptoms of orchitis include testicular and scrotal pain and tenderness and infertility. Most of the time, it can be treated with medication and home remedies.
What to do if you have a lump in your testicle?
If you have any symptoms of scrotal or testicular conditions, including pain, swelling, tenderness or a lump, call your doctor. Some conditions may be severe and can even be life threatening if not treated promptly. Learn more about scrotal and testicular conditions.
What is the term for a cut off blood supply to the testicle?
Testicular torsion. Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord gets twisted and cuts off blood supply to the testicle. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment in order to save the testicle.
What are the symptoms of a torsion in the testicles?
Symptoms of testicular torsion include sudden onset of severe pain in the testicle that may be accompanied by swelling and tenderness of the testicles and scrotum, fever, and nausea and vomiting, among other symptoms.
What are the symptoms of a scrotum infection?
These infections are often but not exclusively sexually transmitted and can also result in associated symptoms such as dysuria and penile discharge. Fungal infections can also result in white patches on the scrotum in addition to redness.
What causes a rash on the scrotum?
Irritants: Many substances can irritate the skin and cause rashes and redness. This is known as dermatitis. Products such as heavily scented soaps, lotions, perfumes and cleansers used around the genital area can be very irritating and cause inflammation to the scrotum due to allergic or sensitivity reactions.
What causes scrotal redness?
Redness (also known as erythema) of the skin is the result of increased flow in the blood vessels close to the skin that occurs in the setting of injury, infection or generalized inflammation. There are many things that may cause a red scrotum, so it is important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis.
Why are my testicles red?
Red testicles can have associated symptoms of pain, itchiness, swelling, or dryness of the skin. Common causes for scrotal redness include allergic reactions to hygienic products, chemicals, or medication. In addition, skin conditions like eczema and scabies can cause a red scrotum. Read below for more information on causes and treatment options.
What is a scabies rash?
Scabies is a rash caused by the microscopic human itch mite. It burrows into the top layer of skin to feed and causes severe itching and irritation. The mite spreads through direct contact or through infested bedding or furniture. It can infect anyone, though most susceptible are: Children.
What is the function of the testicles?
The main function of the testes-scrotal system is the production of sperm male reproductive cells and testosterone, a hormone important for male sexual and reproductive development.
How do mites spread?
The mite spreads through direct contact or through infested bedding or furniture. It can infect anyone, though most susceptible are:
What to do if you find a lump on your testicle?
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.
What causes epididymitis in men?
This long length acts as a storage space for the sperm and gives sperm time to mature. The most common cause of epididymitis is bacterial infection and the condition occurs most frequently in men between the ages of 20 to 39. Symptoms of epididymitis begin gradually and typically peak within 24-72 hours. Pain usually begins in the scrotum, groin, ...
What is the pain in the back of the testicle?
Epididymitis. Epididymitis is inflammation (swelling and irritation) of the epididymis, a tube at the back of the testicle that carries sperm. This swelling can cause intense pain in the testicle. It can occur in men of any age, though it happens most often in men between the ages of 14 and 35.
What causes epididymitis?
Most cases of epididymitis are caused by an infection, usually by the bacteria Mycoplasma or Chlamydia. These infections often come by way of sexually transmitted diseases.
What antibiotics are used for epididymitis?
Epididymitis caused by bacteria is treated with antibiotics, most often doxycycline (Oracea®, Monodox®), ciprofloxacin (Cipro®), levofloxacin (Levaquin®), or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim®). Antibiotics are usually taken for 1 to 2 weeks. Men who have epididymitis can also relieve their symptoms by: Resting. Elevating the scrotum.
How long does it take for epididymitis to go away?
Epididymitis usually does not cause any long-term problems. Most men who are treated for the condition start to feel better after 3 days, though discomfort and swelling may last weeks or even months after finishing antibiotic treatment. It is important to finish the entire treatment recommended by your doctor.
What age does epididymitis occur?
This swelling can cause intense pain in the testicle. It can occur in men of any age, though it happens most often in men between the ages of 14 and 35.
How do you know if you have epididymitis?
Symptoms of epididymitis include: Pain in the scrotum, sometimes moving to the rest of the groin. Swelling and redness in the testicle. Blood in the semen. Fever and chills. Pain when urinating.
What to do if symptoms return after a testicular cancer treatment?
It is important to finish the entire treatment recommended by your doctor. If symptoms return, follow up with your doctor. Follow-up can rule out other conditions, including a tumor or testicular cancer.

Definition and Overview
An abnormal mass on the testicle.
Causes of Condition
Key Symptoms
Who to See and Treatment Available
- Scrotal masses are abnormalities in the bag of skin hanging behind the penis (scrotum). The scrotum contains the testicles and related structures that produce, store and transport sperm and male sex hormones. Scrotal masses might be an accumulation of fluids, the growth of abnormal tissue, or normal contents of the scrotum that have become swollen,...