Understanding Testicular Pain: An Insight into Symptoms
I’m a 17-year-old male, standing at 5’10” and weighing 150 pounds, with no prescriptions to take. For approximately the past year, I’ve been experiencing discomfort localized in my left testicle. This sensation occurs sporadically, about once every two to three weeks, and lasts for a duration of about one to two hours. Throughout this year, both the intensity and frequency of the pain have remained relatively constant. Although it’s not excruciating, it certainly is bothersome. When I apply pressure to the area, I rate the pain around a 6 on a scale of 1 to 10. When left undisturbed, it's closer to around a 4 (I recognize that pain perception can vary from person to person). This discomfort is not accompanied by any visible symptoms such as redness, swelling, discharge, or feelings of nausea. It is simply a mild, squeezing ache. I understand that enduring a year’s worth of discomfort in this area is not typical, yet both my parents and my physician have reassured me that everything seems normal. During my annual check-up, my doctor did not identify any issues. I have pinpointed the source of the pain; it feels as though it originates from something situated behind the testicle, rather than inside my body. It’s located within the scrotal sac, particularly near the upper part of the testicle. Often, the discomfort radiates toward the left side of my pubic area. Earlier today, I took some time to investigate further and noticed something at the top of my left testicle. While it felt similar to what I sensed on the right side, when I touched that area, it caused a significant surge of pain that lasted for about 20 minutes before subsiding. Due to the recurring nature of this discomfort every couple of weeks, I plan to schedule a visit with my doctor soon to address these concerns.
Answers (1)
7/15/2025, 12:20:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about persistent testicular discomfort, especially when it has lasted for a year. While your physician has reassured you that everything appears normal, it’s important to address recurrent symptoms and ensure you find relief.
Key Points:
- Chronic discomfort in the testicle, especially if you have identified specific triggers and areas of pain, deserves attention.
- The pain level you describe (6 when pressing) indicates that while the discomfort is not severe, it is significant enough to warrant further investigation.
Explanation:
Testicular pain can arise from a variety of causes, including:
- Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis that could be due to infection or other factors.
- Varicocele: Enlarged veins near the testicle that can cause discomfort.
- Hernia: A portion of tissue bulges through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles, sometimes felt in the scrotal area.
- Referred pain: Discomfort may stem from conditions affecting other areas, such as the back or abdomen.
Your pain occurring sporadically and radiating towards your pubic area suggests it might be related to structures in that region. A new sensitivity noticed during your self-examination could indicate a need for more detailed evaluation.
Next Steps:
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Schedule a Doctor’s Appointment: While you’re already planning to see your doctor, make sure to emphasize the new sensitivity and pain following touch. Request that they conduct a thorough physical examination to assess any changes.
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Pain Diary: Keep a log of your symptoms, noting any activities that trigger discomfort, length of the pain, and how you manage it at home. This can provide valuable information for your healthcare provider.
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Scrotal Support: In the meantime, consider wearing supportive underwear to help minimize discomfort during daily activities.
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Avoid Irritants: Avoid activities or positions that seem to aggravate the pain, especially vigorous exercise until you understand what's causing it.
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Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with potential conditions that could affect testicular health, but remain cautious not to jump to conclusions based on self-research.
It’s great to see you are being proactive about your health. Keeping communication open with your healthcare provider will help you get to the bottom of your discomfort. Let me know if you need additional information on any of these points!
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