OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns Over Testicular Shrinkage Overnight

I'm using a throwaway account for privacy. Please excuse my language skills since I'm not a native speaker. For a considerable period, I've been grappling with issues related to blood congestion, or at least that's my assumption. Regrettably, I did not take these symptoms seriously enough. Recently, I've been experiencing some unusual discomfort in my legs, particularly the right one, although it was never intense enough to warrant immediate concern. Given my history of severe muscle tension on that side, I attributed the discomfort to that. Over time, I've also observed that my scrotum has developed more pronounced veins. On certain occasions, the pressure is so intense that these veins appear dangerously engorged with blood. The first instance of this occurred while I was on vacation six years ago when consultations were difficult. Upon returning home, I visited my GP, but by then, the congestion had subsisted and the visit yielded no solutions. Since I learned that this condition often resolves on its own, I chose to overlook it, even as the veins continued to become more prominent. Fast forward to last weekend: on Saturday night, as I went to bed, I felt an unfamiliar dull pain in my groin—a sensation I had not encountered before. However, it was not severe enough to necessitate immediate attention. After a long night’s sleep of nearly nine hours, I awoke to a relief in my groin discomfort, but it had migrated to my right leg. When I stood up, I immediately noticed a peculiar change in my testicles. Typically, I can easily hold both with my right hand, but this time they felt considerably smaller and softer, nearly slipping from my grip. It seemed as though their size had decreased by at least a third, making them feel almost alien to me. Initially, I dismissed the change as unimportant. Later that day, I decided to look up testicular shrinkage, only to be alarmed by the information I discovered. I was also struck by the nearly absent function in my sexual responses. Concerned after reading that thin semen could indicate a problem, I attempted to masturbate, which felt quite unusual and challenging, ultimately resulting in a watery discharge, unlike the thick consistency I was accustomed to just a day prior. That evening, I sought assistance from the emergency medical services. They couldn’t identify any pressing issues as the testicles weren’t painful and, despite their size reduction, were still deemed within normal limits (unfortunately, the attending physician was not a urologist). Two days later, I saw a urologist for a morning appointment. Unfortunately, the doctor showed little empathy regarding my overnight shrinkage observation, responding with an dismissive eye-roll. An ultrasound was performed, but blood flow appeared to be adequate. Although both testicles measured 4 cm in length, other dimensions were not evaluated, so volume wasn’t assessed. The urologist proposed that my erectile dysfunction might stem from either spinal issues or psychological factors, recommending back exercises and a follow-up visit in four weeks. My worries about possible harm to my testicles due to diminished blood supply were not addressed at all. Today, I consulted my general practitioner about the circulatory problems. During this visit, I had to lie on the examination table as the doctor felt various areas and inquired about pain. Ultimately, the doctor arranged for an MRI focused on my lumbar spine (scheduled for tomorrow) and prescribed ten physiotherapy sessions. Initially, I felt a sense of relief knowing steps were finally being taken; however, as the day progressed, I sank into a profound emotional downturn. I've also observed that my left testicle seems to be slightly smaller and softer than the right one. The area around my groin feels traumatized. I'm uncertain if physiotherapy is advisable at this moment or if it might hinder the healing process. Overall, I am extremely anxious regarding the health of my testicles. What options do I have? What actions should I take? Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Answers (1)

7/31/2025, 3:10:56 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel anxious given your concerns about testicular changes and the discomfort you’ve been experiencing. Let's break this down into key points and provide some actionable steps to help you manage the situation.

Main Points

1. Your symptoms, including testicular shrinkage and leg discomfort, are understandably concerning.
2. While immediate medical assessments showed no urgent issues, your worries are valid and require a structured approach to address them.

Explanation

Testicular shrinkage and unusual sensations can be caused by various factors, including hormonal changes, blood flow issues, psychological factors, or underlying conditions. The ultrasound indicating adequate blood flow is reassuring, but it’s good to remain observant of your symptoms. The changes in semen consistency and sexual response may be linked to anxiety or other non-urgent causes that could affect your overall well-being.

Next Steps

1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily log of any changes to your testicles and leg discomfort, noting size, consistency, and associated symptoms. Document how you feel emotionally as well.

2. Engage Fully with Your Healthcare Providers: When discussing your symptoms and concerns with your GP or urologist, express your fears about testicular health and the impact on your emotional well-being. If you feel your concerns are being minimized again, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion or ask for a referral to another specialist who may take your worries more seriously.

3. Consider Psychological Support: Given your emotional downturn, talking to a mental health professional may provide relief. Anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms; managing stress through therapy can help improve your outlook and symptom perception.

4. Follow Up on Physiotherapy: Discuss with your physio about your concerns regarding your groin area. The goal is to strengthen any related muscles without causing additional trauma to any sensitive areas. Ensure to communicate your recent experiences, so the physiotherapist can tailor their approach to your needs.

5. Keep Upcoming Appointments: Prioritize your MRI and any follow-up appointments to gather more data on your lumbar spine, as these results could shed light on any connections to your symptoms.

Closing Thoughts

It's important to remain proactive about your health while also allowing yourself to process your feelings. Addressing both the physical and psychological aspects is crucial for your overall well-being. Take care of yourself, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when needed. If you have further questions or concerns, feel free to ask.