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Testicular Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & More

Testicular torsion

Within the scrotum, the testicle is secured to the body at the top end by a structure called the spermatic cord. The spermatic cord contains blood vessels that supply the testicles. When this cord gets twisted, the blood supply to the testicles is cut off. The testicles being void of blood can lead to the following symptoms:

  • Severe, sudden pain.
  • Enlargement of the affected testicle.
  • Nausea [2] and vomiting.

You should immediately seek medical attention if you notice any of these signs.

Testicular torsion is more common among men in the early teens to the mid-20s but it can also happen at other ages. Sometimes the torsion is as a result of exercise or injury, but in the majority cases, it is due to the way your testicles sit in your scrotum; this is something that you are born with.

If you have testicular torsion, emergency surgery is required to help restore the flow of blood. Ideally the surgery should be done within four hours of the initial symptoms. The longer the delay, the less likely the testicle can be saved. If blood is unable to get to the testicles for too long, it becomes difficult to save it and would have to be removed.