Painful scrotum: Home Doctor & Self Therapy

Minor injury to the scrotum does not usually cause lasting harm, but sudden severe pain can be due to torsion (twisting) of one of the testes inside, which can cause permanent damage. A painful, tender scrotum, sometimes with swelling, may be due to an infection (epididymitis). You may also have a fever and pain when urinating. Other causes of pain include mumps and, rarely, testicular cancer.

WARNING
Seek immediate medical help if:
● You develop sudden or severe pain in the scrotum
● Pain after an injury to the area persists for more than an hour

See your doctor first

Arrange to see your doctor promptly if:
● You have had mild pain for more than 2 days
● You think you have epididymitis
● You find a lump in the scrotum or testes

What you can do yourself

Try the following home treatments alone or in conjunction with treatment from your doctor.
● To relieve pain and swelling, apply an ice pack (such as a bag of frozen peas or crushed ice in a plastic bag wrapped in a wet towel) to the testes. Hold for about 10 minutes. Use twice a day. You can also take an analgesic (see DRUG REMEDIES, below).
● Lie on your back with a rolled-up towel placed between your legs and under the scrotum to lift it and relieve discomfort. When moving around, wear an athletic support or two pairs of close-fitting underpants, especially if the testes are swollen.
● When the pain has eased, check your testes regularly for lumps (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE, below).

DRUG REMEDIES

Analgesics can be used to reduce pain and swelling in the scrotum and also fever. Take an anti-inflammatory analgesic such as ibuprofen

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE

Testicular self-examination All men should examine their testes regularly to detect lumps or other changes that may be an early sign of cancer.
● Examine yourself once a month after a warm bath, when the scrotum is relaxed. Check for any lumps or swellings. Both testes should be smooth except along the top and back, where you will feel a soft tube (epididymis) that carries and stores sperm.
● Compare one testis with the other if you are not sure whether one feels normal (it is unusual to develop cancer in both testes at the same time). If you notice any changes in either your testes or your scrotum, consult your doctor promptly. Examining your testes Carefully roll your fingers and thumb across the entire surface of each testis in turn.