Testicular Torsion Symptoms, Causes & More

By shirley

Reviewed: dr. stavarache

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms.' National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/testis
• 2. 'What Should My Testicles Look and Feel Like?' NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/mens-health/what-should-my-testicles-look-and-feel-like/
• 3. Jha, Praveen. 'Spermatic Cord: Radiology Reference Article.' Radiopaedia Blog RSS, radiopaedia.org/articles/spermatic-cord?lang=us
• 4. 'Testicular Torsion.' Mount Sinai Health System, www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/testicular-torsion
• 5. 'Testicular Torsion.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 4 Apr. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/testicular-torsion/symptoms-causes/syc-20378270
• 6. Staff, Familydoctor.org Editorial. 'Testicular Torsion.'Familydoctor.org, 25 July 2019, familydoctor.org/condition/testicular-torsion/
• 7. Testicular Torsion By Patrick J. Shenot, et al. 'Testicular Torsion - Genitourinary Disorders.' Merck Manuals Professional Edition, Merck Manuals, www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary-disorders/penile-and-scrotal-disorders/testicular-torsion
• 8. Publishing, Harvard Health. 'Testicular Torsion.' Harvard Health, www.health.harvard.edu/a/to/z/testicular-torsion-a-to-z
• 9. 'Testicular Torsion.' UCSF Department of Urology, urology.ucsf.edu/patient-care/children/testicular-torsion
• 10. 'Testicular Torsion.' Testicular Torsion: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment - Urology Care Foundation, www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/testicular-torsion
• 11. 'Testicular Torsion.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 4 Apr. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/testicular-torsion/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20378274

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The testicles are two ovular glands housed within a male's scrotum. They're suspended from the abdominal wall by the spermatic cord, which also supplies blood to the testicles. These glands that produce sperm and male hormones are usually similar in size, although it's not unusual for one testicle to be a bit larger than the other.¹‘NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms.’ National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/testis^,2‘What Should My Testicles Look and Feel Like?’ NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/mens-health/what-should-my-testicles-look-and-feel-like/^,3Jha, Praveen. ‘Spermatic Cord: Radiology Reference Article.’ Radiopaedia Blog RSS, radiopaedia.org/articles/spermatic-cord?lang=us

Sometimes one of the testicles twists on the spermatic cord, restricting blood flow and causing severe pain. This is called testicular torsion. Immediate medical attention is necessary when this occurs to prevent irreparable damage to the testicle.⁴‘Testicular Torsion.’ Mount Sinai Health System, www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/testicular-torsion

Symptoms of Testicular Torsion

Sudden, severe pain in the testicles or scrotum is a common symptom of testicular torsion, but abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting may be present as well. The scrotum may appear to be swollen. One testicle may seem to be in a higher position or tilted at a different angle than usual.

In addition, males with this condition may urinate more frequently, experience a fever or dizziness and see blood in their semen.⁵‘Testicular Torsion.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 4 Apr. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/testicular-torsion/symptoms-causes/syc-20378270^,6Staff, Familydoctor.org Editorial. ‘Testicular Torsion.’Familydoctor.org, 25 July 2019, familydoctor.org/condition/testicular-torsion/ Occasionally the torsion may resolve temporarily, only to recur and present with the same severe symptoms.⁷Testicular Torsion By Patrick J. Shenot, et al. ‘Testicular Torsion - Genitourinary Disorders.’ Merck Manuals Professional Edition, Merck Manuals, www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary-disorders/penile-and-scrotal-disorders/testicular-torsion