Lumps and swellings in the testicl*s (balls) or scrotum (ballsack) aren't usually caused by anything serious, but you should get them checked by your GP.
When to see your GP
You should see your GP if you have:
- a lump in or on your testicl*s
- swollen testicl*s or scrotum
- a change in the shape of your testicl*s
- a change in the way your testicl*s feel
- one testicl* that's become bigger than the other
- aching or discomfort in your testicl*s that doesn't go away
Lumps in the testicl*s can be a sign of testicular cancer. This is easier to treat if it's found early.
When to get urgent medical help
You should go to your nearest emergency department if you get sudden, unbearable pain in your testicl*s or tummy.
This could be caused by your testicl* becoming twisted, which needs to be treated in hospital as soon as possible.
What happens at your GP appointment
To find out what the cause of your lump or swelling is, the GP may:
- look at and feel your testicl*s
- shine a torch through the bag of skin containing your testicl*s (scrotum) to check for a build-up of fluid
- refer you for anultrasound scan
Treatment for a lump or swelling depends on the cause. You might not need treatment if it doesn't cause any problems and isn't getting worse.
If it's painful or very big, your GP may refer you to a specialist for an operation to drain, shrink or remove it.
Causes of testicular lumps and scrotal swellings
Lumps and swellings in the testicl*s and scrotum can have lots of different causes. Most are caused by something harmless, such as a build-up of fluid (cyst) or swollen veins. Sometimes they can be a sign of something serious, such astesticular cancer.
Don't try to self-diagnose the cause of your lump – always see a GP.
Causes of testicular lumps or scrotal swelling are below.
Testicular torsion
You should go to your nearest emergency department if you have testicular torsion (torsion of spermatic cord).
It happens when the spermatic cord, which provides blood flow to thetesticl*, rotates and becomes twisted. The twisting cuts off thetesticl*'sblood supply and causes sudden pain and swelling
Testicular cancer
Inguinal hernia
Aninguinal herniais the most common type of hernia. It can appear as a swelling or lump in your groin, or as an enlarged scrotum (the pouch containing the testicl*s). The swelling may be painful. The lump often appears when you're lifting something and disappears when you lie down. You will need surgery to repair it.
Epididymitis
Epididymitisis where a tube (the epididymis) at the back of the testicl*s becomes swollen and painful. It's often caused by an infection and is usually treated with antibiotics.
Orchitis
Orchitis is an inflammation of the testicl*s. It can be caused by either bacteria or a virus. Both testicl*s may be affected by orchitis at the same time. However, the symptoms usually appear in just one testicl*.
This kind of testicular inflammation is often associated with the mumps virus.
If your GP thinks it is being caused by a bacteria you will need an antibiotic to clear it up.
Epididymal cyst
An epididymal cystis a fluid-filled sac that grows in theepididymis - a tube at the back of the testicl*s. It does not need treatment if it is small or causes no significant symptoms. If it needs treatment, usually surgery is needed to remove it, though this may affect fertility.
Varicocele
Varicocele is a scrotal swelling caused by swollen veins (called the pampiniform plexus) in the spermatic cord (the cord attached to the testicl*).
Most of the time, varicoceles cause no problems and are harmless. Less often varicoceles can cause pain, problems with reduced fertility, or cause one testicl* to grow slower or shrink.
Surgery can be used to treat a varicocele if it is reducing fertility or causing problems with growth.
Hydrocele
Hydroceleoccurs when fluid collects in the thin sheath surrounding a testicl*.
Hydrocele is common in newborns babies and usually disappears without treatment by age one. Older boys and adult men can develop a hydrocele due to inflammation or injury within the scrotum.
Treatment is with surgery.
More useful links
- How to use your health services
- Lumps and swellings
The information on this page has been adapted from original content from the NHS website.
For further information seeterms and conditions.
FAQs
Lumps and swellings in the testicl*s and scrotum can have lots of different causes. Most are caused by something harmless, such as a build-up of fluid (cyst) or swollen veins. Sometimes they can be a sign of something serious, such as testicular cancer.
What is the most common cause of scrotal swelling? ›
Hydroceles and hernias are among the most common causes of scrotal swelling. A hydrocele is a collection of fluid that builds up around a testicl*. Hydroceles sometimes occur during early development. In such cases, the testicl*s descend into the scrotum and leave behind an irregular opening that does not close.
What is testicular lumps? ›
A lump on a testicl* is a growth that can form on or around your testicl* (testis). testicl*s are walnut-shaped sex glands in the thin pouch of skin behind your penis (scrotum). Most people with testicl*s have two, but you can have more or fewer. They produce reproductive cells (sperm) and the hormone testosterone.
How to get rid of testicl* lumps? ›
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.
What STD causes lumps on the testicl*? ›
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two more common STDs that can cause a lump on a testicl*. Other STDs such as syphilis, HPV, HIV, and hepatitis B can also cause lumps or bumps on the testicl*s. It is important to get tested for all of these STDs if you have had unprotected sex in order to rule out any potential infections.
How do I get my scrotal swelling to go down? ›
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.
What is the best medicine for testicl* swelling? ›
Orchitis. All types of orchitis are usually treated by taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen or naproxen, along with using ice or cold packs, supporting and elevating your scrotum, and resting in order to reduce the swelling and control pain and discomfort.
Can sperm build up cause pain? ›
If the person is practicing sem*n retention that is causing pelvic and testicular pain, it means that the sperm and sem*n production is okay. The discomfort is a result of inflammation owing to the accumulation of sperm and sem*n inside the testicl*s and seminal vesicles.
Should I go to the ER for a swollen testicl*? ›
A swollen or painful testicl* 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 testicl*s, lower abdomen (tummy) or groin. sudden testicular swelling or tenderness.
What percentage of testicular lumps are cancerous? ›
If you find any lump or firm part of the testicl*, you should see a doctor to find out if it is a tumor. It should be tested as soon as possible. About 75 out of 100 men with swelling or a lump in the testicl* have cancer. Most masses in the scrotum outside of the testicl*, are not cancer.
To keep scrotum pimples from returning after you've treated them, try the following hygiene tips to make sure your scrotum stays clean:
- Shower or bathe regularly. ...
- Don't wear underwear made of synthetic materials. ...
- Don't wear tight clothing. ...
- Don't tweeze, pluck, or wax your scrotum hairs. ...
- Wear a condom when you have sex.
Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include:
- A lump or swelling in either testicl*.
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
- A dull ache in the lower belly or groin.
- Sudden swelling in the scrotum.
- Pain or discomfort in a testicl* or the scrotum.
- Enlargement or tenderness of the breast tissue.
- Back pain.
Some types of testicular cancer, such as spermatocytic tumors of the testis, grow slowly. It may take them many years to spread if they ever grow beyond your testicl*. Some other types of testicular cancer, such as non-seminoma tumors, can spread rapidly and can lead to death within a couple of years without treatment.
How did my husband get epididymitis? ›
The epididymis stores and carries sperm. Males of any age can get epididymitis. Epididymitis is most often caused by a bacterial infection, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. Sometimes, a testicl* also becomes inflamed — a condition called epididymo-orchitis.
How can you tell if a man has chlamydia? ›
If they do get symptoms, the most common include: pain when urinating. white, cloudy or watery discharge from the tip of the penis. burning or itching in the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body)
Is having one testicl* a disability? ›
Several human organs come in pairs — think about your kidneys and lungs. Usually, people can live with just one of these organs while maintaining a healthy, normal life. testicl*s are no different. But it's still important to regularly follow up with a doctor, especially if you have an undescended testicl*.
What happens if a swollen testicl* is left untreated? ›
The delayed treatment of any cause of swollen testicl*s may result in testicular injury, sometimes irreversible. Since it can be difficult to tell the cause of the swelling by appearance alone, it is important to see a healthcare provider, particularly if the swelling is sudden, severe, or persistent.
What virus causes testicular swelling? ›
Orchitis (or-KIE-tis) is an inflammation of one or both testicl*s. Bacterial or viral infections can cause orchitis, or the cause can be unknown. Orchitis is most often the result of a bacterial infection, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). In some cases, the mumps virus can cause orchitis.
What does a hydrocele look like? ›
What do hydroceles look and feel like? A hydrocele feels like a small fluid-filled balloon inside your scrotum. It feels smooth and is mainly in front of one of your testicl*s (testes). Hydroceles vary greatly in size.
