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testicular problems - what is it?

I am 25 years old, white male. About 2 weeks ago I noticed a "dragging feeling" in my left testicle, and it was slightly swollen and painful (more of a dull ache). I had the dragging feeling once before, several years ago, and it went away after a few days. It lasted about a week this time, and during this time I had a lot of pain in my legs. I also had blood in my semen once, but not since. After about a week and a half, the pain and dragging sensation was gone, and so was the swelling. During the night a few days ago, I sat in a hot tub for about an hour. The next morning, both of my testicles felt harder than normal, and the veins around them feel harder as well. There is no pain, and there are no hard lumps - it is the entire testicle that is hard (both of them). My scrotum also feels tight, like it is being pulled back. I feel fine otherwise...I have no idea what this could be - these seem to be symptoms of every testicular problem. No one in my family has had testicular cancer, as far as I know. My main concern is cancer, because i do not have health insurance. I can afford to go to the doctor sometime next week, but not much beyond that. I would like to hear any ideas of what you think this could be. Thank you.
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Avatar universal
Just wanted to provide an update...the hardness in the testicles is gone. Everything seemed fine for a few days, but now the dragging sensation/slight swelling is back.
Helpful - 1
242579 tn?1252111171
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
It is difficult to ascertain exactly what the problem is without a history and physical examination, however with the history provided, we can provide some additional information. If you do not feel any discernable hard lumps on the testicles, and without family history there is low probability of this being testicular cancer. An ultrasound of the testicles would appear to be an appropriate initial step in diagnosis of the problem. The possible problem could be a varicocele, which is an engorgement of the pampiniform venous plexus which drains blood out of your testicles and back into the venous system. Another diagnostic exam which could provide useful information is venography of the testicles, although in your age group, it might not be as sensitive. All of these tests would need to be prescribed by a doctor, and we recommend consulting a urologist. However this is some brief background information and provides a starting point for you. Please let us know if there are any other concerns - Thanks!
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