Swollen Testicle Every Few Months

[SJ1]

My husband is 32 years old, and has had a recurring problem for about the past 18 months.  Every 3-5 months one or both of his testicles becomes swollen (and very painful).  The swelling usually starts in one testicle and (sometimes) gradually moves to both.  The swelling lasts between one and two weeks (never longer than two weeks) and then it goes away.  My husband is very adamant about not going to the doctor.  The main reason is because we do not have health insurance and cannot afford the doctor's bills.  I keep trying to get him to go, but to no avail.  In the meantime, I am constantly trying to find information online about what may be causing this.  I can't find anything specifically like what he is experiencing.  I would greatly appreciate any and all help.  Thanks.

[SJ1]

Hi Vanessa,

To answer your questions...

He does not have pain in erection or ejaculation (nor in urinating).

No redness at all- Yes to tenderness (but only when they're swollen).

No change to ejaculation.


I have been reading about torsion of the testicle where the spermatic cord becomes twisted (causing swelling and intense pain)- but it does not say anything about the swelling coming and going over periods of months.  

Same with an infection, I would think the swelling would be permanent until treated with antibiotics (instead of disappearing for months).  Obviously, the best course of action is him going to the doctor.  Until that time, I will continue to look for information that could help.  

Thanks for responding.  I appreciate the help.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Based on what you have  posted, this may be a recurrent or chronic case of testicular infection.

Are there any associated symptoms like pain in erection and ejaculation?

Any redness and tenderness of the testicles?

Any change in the character of the ejaculate?

Your husband will be needing anibiotics treatment. However, at this point it is important to ascertain that an infection is indeed present. Would you be able to ask someone to assist you with this given insurance issues? A prostatic secretion culture and a scrotal ultrasound will be able to help.

[Leedsio]

I know Chlamydia can cause swollen testicles don't know whether it makes them go up and down though or whether it makes them swell and stay swollen. If he does have Chlamydia a 14 day course of anti-biotics will clear it.