Testicular torsion requires immediate medical attention
Testicular torsion is a medical emergency in which a testicle twists inside the scrotum, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle and causing severe testicle pain. Our North Austin men’s urologists want men to know that without immediate medical attention, severe damage can be done to the testicle, resulting in permanent effects or loss of the testicle.
Testicular torsion can happen at any age, but 65% of cases occur between ages 12 and 18.
Do you have these symptoms of testicular torsion?
If you are experiencing a sudden onset of any of these symptoms, contact our North Austin men’s urologists immediately.
- Sudden, severe testicle pain
- Swelling of the scrotum, the bag of skin that contains the testicle
- Pain in the abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Lump in the testicle
- Testicle is positioned higher than normal
- Frequent need to urinate
In all cases, if you have severe pain in the testicle, you must see a doctor.
Relieving your testicle pain and treating the torsion
The doctor will first perform a physical exam to check for discomfort, swelling and position of the testicle. A Doppler ultrasound may be used to check for blood flow to the testicle.
Testicular torsion is treated with surgery to untwist the cord and reestablish blood flow. The surgeon will attach the testicle to the inside of the scrotum wall to prevent it from twisting again. The doctor will also secure the testicle on the other side to prevent it from twisting in the future.
Immediate treatment is crucial to prevent the loss of the testicle
Immediate medical attention is critical to preventing damage to the testicle. In most cases, if surgery is performed within four hours of onset, the testicle can be saved. Possible complications include loss of some or all of the testicle, permanent shrinking of the testicle, and decreased fertility due to a reduced sperm count.
Testicular torsion rarely resolves on its own, and there is no way for you to fix it. You must seek medical attention.
Contact our North Austin men’s urologists for direction about medical treatment. If your symptoms occur outside regular business hours, go to the emergency room. Because this is a surgical emergency, proceed to the hospital, not a freestanding urgent care clinic.