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The list of causes of testicular pain is very long, but one cause is a medical emergency and several others are common among teenagers. The medical emergency is testicular torsion. Sudden onset of sharp pain and swelling that doesn't go away can be a sign of testicular torsion, or twisting of the testicle, which cuts off the blood supply. This usually occurs in only one testicle at a time, but it requires immediate medical attention. If surgery to correct this problem is done within six hours of the onset of pain, there's a good chance the testicle can be saved. The longer the testicle remains without its normal blood supply, the more likely it will need to be removed. In that case, the opposite testicle is usually treated to prevent twisting and a silicone prosthesis is inserted to replace the damaged testicle. Frequently recurring testicular pain might be a sign of "intermittent torsion" and should be evaluated promptly by your physician.
Testicular pain can also be due to trauma, such as getting kicked in the groin during sports participation; or infections, like epididymitis from sexually transmitted organisms including Chlamydia and gonorrhea, or like orchitis from viral infections including mumps.
Another frequent cause of pain is testicular congestion, commonly referred to by teenagers as "blue balls." The pain occurs following prolonged sexual excitement without ejaculation. This problem resolves with ejaculation and causes no harm.
For more information, check out these articles:
Growing Up as a Boy
Just for Guys – All About Puberty
Testicular Cancer and the Importance of Self Examination
Posted 4-30-04
Do you have a question?  As a reminder, this information should not be relied on as medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Please read our full  .
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