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Urology (Expert Forum)
Intermittent testical enlargement and pain
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
Intermittent testical enlargement and pain
by rookie1991, May 27, 2005 12:00AM
I had a vasectomy in 2000, and ever since that time, I get intermittent pain and swelling in my left testical. Touching the testical causes severe pain. At times it is too painful to sit, but seems to subside within 24-48 hours. By the time I consider going to the doctor, the testical returns to normal. I travel for a living, so I'm not in the same place for long at a time - seldom long enough to schedule an appointment and be there for it.
When there is no pain, my left testical appears to be a bit higher than my left, but nearly the same size. (the doctor who performed the vasectomy mentioned that he sewed the remaining vas into the scrotum tissue, to support the testicals). When the pain starts, the left testical seems much higher, and 2-3 times the size of the right one. It actually appears that the epididymis may be where the swelling and pain are coming from.
My sex drive is normal, and ejaculation amounts also seem normal. Sex is not painful - aside from touching of the sore testical. Physical activity seems to aggrevate the pain, and/or cause it in the first place.
Any suggestions? As soon as I return to the States in July, I'll visit my doctor, but would like some ideas for the time being. Thank you.
When there is no pain, my left testical appears to be a bit higher than my left, but nearly the same size. (the doctor who performed the vasectomy mentioned that he sewed the remaining vas into the scrotum tissue, to support the testicals). When the pain starts, the left testical seems much higher, and 2-3 times the size of the right one. It actually appears that the epididymis may be where the swelling and pain are coming from.
My sex drive is normal, and ejaculation amounts also seem normal. Sex is not painful - aside from touching of the sore testical. Physical activity seems to aggrevate the pain, and/or cause it in the first place.
Any suggestions? As soon as I return to the States in July, I'll visit my doctor, but would like some ideas for the time being. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, May 30, 2005 12:00AM
, May 30, 2005 12:00AM
Tough to say without examination. It can be scar tissue, as a complication of the vasectomy. Other diseases can also present that way as well, including infection as well as other scrotal masses.
I would consider a urinalysis to evaluate for infection, as well as a digital rectal exam to evaluate the prostate. Testing the urine for gonorrhea and chlamydia can be considered as well.
A scrotal ultrasound can also be considered to look for masses or torsion in the scrotum that can lead to the symptoms.
You can discuss these options with your personal physician or in conjunction with a urology evaluation.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
I would consider a urinalysis to evaluate for infection, as well as a digital rectal exam to evaluate the prostate. Testing the urine for gonorrhea and chlamydia can be considered as well.
A scrotal ultrasound can also be considered to look for masses or torsion in the scrotum that can lead to the symptoms.
You can discuss these options with your personal physician or in conjunction with a urology evaluation.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b