OpenHealth Q&A

Years of Daily Testicular Pain, ‘Normal’ Tests, and a Surgical Discovery

I feel compelled to share my journey in the hope that it may resonate with someone else out there, especially since I endured severe pain for eight long years that baffled numerous doctors. For almost a decade, I struggled with excruciating pain on the left side of my testicle, in my groin, and across my lower abdomen, which afflicted me every single day. This was not simply mild discomfort; rather, it was intense, debilitating pain that struck in relentless episodes lasting between one to three hours. During these episodes, I found myself completely incapacitated. I would wriggle on the floor, attempting every possible position—lying straight, flipping upside down, resting on the couch, or even standing—desperately searching for any relief. I was often drenched in sweat, trembling, and occasionally in tears. At 37, I assure you, I am not one for dramatics, but the severity of this pain was overwhelming; when an attack occurred, my daily life came to a halt. The impact of this pain wasn’t merely physical; it robbed me of significant aspects of life. It led to: - Job loss - A disrupted intimate life - Strained relationships - Difficulty in everyday planning Living with such unpredictable and incapacitating pain for eight years weighed heavily on me—both physically and mentally. As a single male, I frequently had to face this ordeal in solitude, whether I was at work, grocery shopping, or even during a shower. The pain could strike at any moment, and I had no means to predict or control it. The pain typically escalated over five to ten minutes, peaking with a sensation that felt like waves or rolling. It was frequently triggered by: - Urinating - Bowel movements or straining - Sexual arousal - Intercourse or post-ejaculation - Even a minor sip of alcohol would set it off (prompting me to abstain from drinking for eight years). Yet, at times, it would occur for no apparent reason. Even the less intense flare-ups were still profoundly painful. There was no level where I felt I could manage it adequately. For years, I relied on over-the-counter pain relief like Tylenol and ibuprofen, often consuming more than what is safe, yet they offered limited relief. The pain wouldn’t subside because of medications but would diminish on its own after a couple of hours, only to return again, day after day. I underwent multiple ER visits and countless consultations, yet ultrasounds and various tests consistently returned with results indicating everything was “normal.” The absence of any visible issue often led to me being dismissed. I could sense that some healthcare providers believed I was either exaggerating my symptoms or seeking drugs. After enduring this for years, it takes a toll on your mental state—even when the pain is very real. One persistent issue was the abnormal sensation in my left testicle; it often felt out of place, frequently riding high and retracting into my groin. However, each time, my concerns were trivialized. Finally, a urologist was willing to perform a surgical exploration after spotting a small lesion on the ultrasound that might have been linked to my pain. Even then, doubts lingered regarding the source of my affliction. During the procedure, they uncovered what imaging tests had failed to reveal: a thick, fibrotic structure that had become abnormally enlarged, extending from the epididymis towards the inguinal canal—likely the vas deferens. It was significantly thicker than normal and felt unusually rigid. The surgeon was so surprised by the findings that they called in a colleague for a second opinion. About 4 cm of this abnormal tissue was excised alongside a portion of the epididymis, ensuring the testicle was preserved. The lumen was open, indicating this was not a form of cancer or a blockage, but rather severely abnormal scar tissue. At that moment, everything fell into place: - The episodes of intense pain - The pain triggered by urination, straining, and ejaculation - The recurrent nature of the pain lasting 1 to 3 hours - The issue with the high-riding testicle - The repeated failure of ultrasounds and MRIs to identify the problem This was primarily a mechanical issue rather than one detectable by standard imaging techniques. Just returning home from surgery, I feel an overwhelming sense of relief now that I finally have a concrete explanation after enduring years of debilitating pain. I am not exaggerating or imagining things; there was indeed something wrong physically. I had felt voiceless and dismissed by those who never experienced this suffering firsthand. If you are battling significant testicular pain that manifests in severe episodes—especially when correlated with urination, movement, or ejaculation—and diagnostic testing continues to yield normal results, don’t lose hope. My experiences and subsequent diagnosis may provide you with insight. This applies to anyone grappling with chronic pain that feels real yet continues to be overlooked. Seek out information on less common potential causes. Insist on alternative examinations. Be your own advocate. Over those eight years, I had nearly ten ultrasounds and two MRIs, all labeled as “normal.” Sometimes, a problem cannot be detected through imaging. Sometimes, it remains undiscovered until someone is willing to take a deeper look. The eight years lost to this struggle can never be regained, but I can move forward with the understanding of how much resilience it took to endure and with optimism that recovery is within reach. I genuinely hope this message finds someone in need of encouragement; I wouldn’t wish this experience on anyone. You are not alone, and there is light at the end of the tunnel. Never lose hope.

Answers (1)

2/6/2026, 11:40:53 PM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your deeply personal and challenging experience with chronic testicular pain. It's commendable that you have turned your struggles into a message of hope for others facing similar issues. Here’s a summary of what’s important based on your journey, along with key takeaways and advice for anyone dealing with severe, unexplained pain.

Key Points:

1. Persistent Pain: Severe testicular pain that lasts for years can often go undiagnosed despite normal imaging results.
2. Advocacy: Being an advocate for your health is crucial, even when doctors may not initially understand your symptoms.
3. Surgical Exploration Can Help: Sometimes, conditions may not be identifiable through standard testing, and a surgical approach might reveal underlying issues.

Explanation:

Chronic pain can significantly affect quality of life, and it’s vital to validate your experience, especially when conventional tests show no abnormalities. Conditions like scar tissue formation or other mechanical issues may not be detectable through imaging but can cause severe pain, as seen in your case. Feeling dismissed can be incredibly frustrating, but your persistence led to a diagnosis.

Next Steps for Others Experiencing Similar Pain:

1. Self-Advocacy: If you are experiencing similar symptoms and traditional tests return normal, do not hesitate to seek a second opinion or request further evaluations, such as a surgical consultation. Sometimes, a specialist like a urologist can provide insight into less common conditions.

2. Keep a Pain Diary: Document your pain episodes, triggers, and any other relevant details. This can help healthcare providers understand your experience better and guide them in further evaluations.

3. Explore Alternative Explanations: Research conditions linked to your symptoms that may not be commonly screened for, such as nerve entrapment or scar tissue issues. Educating yourself can empower you in discussions with healthcare providers.

4. Seek Support: Chronic pain can lead to feelings of isolation, so consider joining support groups or seeking counseling. Sharing your experiences with others who understand can provide comfort and validation.

5. Focus on Mental Health: Living with chronic pain can take a toll on your mental and emotional health. Techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, or stress management strategies might be helpful complements to your physical treatment.

Thank you again for sharing your journey, and I hope your story inspires others to seek the care they deserve. You're paving the way for greater understanding and empathy in dealing with chronic conditions. If you have questions or need more specific information or resources, feel free to ask.