Testicular problems

Having three balls would be a very worrying testicular problem.

Definition

Problems with the testicles (referred to as "balls" herein).

Epidemiology

Generally quite common, but rather rare in women.

Pathophysiology

Two main types of problem:

• Pain - hurting balls.
• Swelling - massive balls.

Clinical and Associated Features

Medical Emergency - Testicular torsion is a surgical emergency! It needs prompt treatment, and usually the ball in question can be saved.

Testicular torsion usually presents with sudden, severe one sided testicular pain, with sudden testicular swelling. Sometimes the testicular pain can present as generalised abdominal pain, or even just as indigestion.

A doppler ultrasound will show if the blood supply has arrested.

Other causes

There are a variety of other causes. The commonest problems are scrotal or testicular swelling, or pain. You can also get reddening.

Differential Diagnosis

Tortion of the testis Trauma to testis Epididymo-orchitis (bacterial, viral) Referred pain from renal colic Inguinal hernias Hydrocoele Epididymo-orchitis (bacterial, viral) Incompletely descended testis Tesicular trauma (e.g. haematoma) Varicoele Epididymal cyst Testicular tumours Incomplete descent of testis Torsion of testis