Lower Left Testicle and Pains

Posted by Steven101 on April 27, 1999 at 16:40:44
For about five or six years I've had a very low left testicle. It didn't hurt
for about six months or so, and then it ached for about three months.
I thought it was just normal. So I didn't say anything to my parents.
By the way, I am 15 years old. I have done TSE and have found no lumps.
There seems to be a sack (about the size of two peas) and has been there the whole time with no change in size/shape/etc. above the testicle (not touching it) and then for about six months the pain went away. But now it is back. It didn't come suddenly. It came gradually and is now not getting any more painful.
The pain ranges from nothing to small aches to a bad pain every once in a while that lasts only a second. The teste is about half as far down as the other one. Is this normal for teenagers? Should I be concerned? Because this one place called www.healthanswers.com/ said that if it is gradual and it is not severe then don't be alarmed. Please give me your opinion. Thank you.

Posted by HFHS M.D.-BE on May 05, 1999 at 13:53:23

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Dear Steven,
Most men have uneven testicles; that is, one usually hangs lower than the other.  This in itself is not a cause for concern.  Pain within the scrotum generally arises from disorders of the testes and/or the epididymis.  The most common causes include trauma, torsion (twisting of the spermatic cord, or appendix testis, or appendix epididymis), inflammation--particularly of the epididymis, varicocele (cluster of dilated blood vessels or spermatic veins), hydrocele (collection of fluid within the scrotal sac), and testicular tumors.  You are to be commended that you are already aware of TSE and routinely perform this important exam.  It is a good idea for every man to do a self exam of his testicles each month.  The description you have given of the little sac above the testicle may indicate the presence of a spermatocele, which is a cyst of the epididymis (the area of the testicle where sperm maturation occurs) and contains fluid and sperm.  This could cause pain and discomfort of varying degrees in different individuals.  You mention the pain being gradual versus sudden; the reason the web site cautions you to get immediate attention if it is severe is in case it is torsion--this means that the blood supply could be cut off to the testicle and the testicle could die.  This doesn't sound like your condition.  However, there is a possibility of intermittent torsion, which may at times present with gradual pain, which eventually goes away.  Regardless of the possibilities, it is important for you to tell your parents and ask to see a urologist as soon as possible to get to the bottom of your problem.  Your urologist will do a complete physical exam, as well as ordering any tests that may help in the diagnosis.  The thing you need to keep in mind, Steven, is that these above-mentioned problems do not just go away on their own, so be sure to talk to your parents and make an appointment so that you get on the right road for your treatment, if any is necessary.

This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only.  Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.  More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653-6568).
Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-BE
*keyword: testicular pain

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A related discussion, left testicle pain, was started.