Testicular Pain Treatment At Home

Are you or someone you know is experiencing pain in the testicles? Are you uncertain whether your situation requires medical attention?

The internet is full of questions from the people who are worried about testicular pain. Numerous people search to understand whether their discomfort signifies major medical trouble or stems from minor incidents like muscle strains. The users frequently inquire about testicular concerns through questions such as “Should I be worried?” and “Can I treat this with rest combined with ice application?” We get it. Testicular pain can be concerning, and we understand that many people prefer to try safe home remedies before heading to a clinic.

In this article, you’ll learn some easy home remedies for testicular pain and find out when it’s important to see a doctor

Possible Causes For Testicular Pain

Before proceeding to the treatment part, it is crucial to understand what causes the pain. Let’s break down the causes of testicular pain so you know whether it’s something to watch or something to act on fast. [1]

1. Acute injury or trauma: Sudden pain and discomfort in testicles can be caused by a direct blow or impact to the testicles during sports, cycling, or accidents. Though the symptoms are short-lived, they may come along with swelling, bruising, and nausea.
2. Epididymitis: This condition is characterized by the inflammation of the epididymis (thin tubes behind your testicles). In epididymitis, these tubes may get swollen and painful, leading to testicular pain. [2]
3. Varicocele: This condition exists when veins within the scrotum become enlarged. It can cause a dull pain or a feeling of heaviness in the testicles, especially on the left side. Varicocele may interfere with male reproductive capabilities in some men. [3]
4. Hydrocele: Hydrocele is defined as a buildup of fluid around the testicles. Larger hydroceles can cause a dragging pressure in the testicles, resulting in scrotal discomfort.
5. Inguinal hernia: An inguinal hernia is a bulge in the lower abdomen or groin area that can cause pain in testicles while coughing, bending or lifting. [4] 
6. Testicular torsion: This condition arises when the spermatic cord twists and stops blood flow to a testicle, generally your left testicle. This condition is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical intervention. [5] 
7. Referred pain: Sometimes the origin of testicular pain may originate from other sources such as kidney stones, prostate infections and lower back pain.
8. Post-vasectomy pain: Some men may experience pain and discomfort after a vasectomy. This condition is called post-vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS). This type of pain remains either dull or sharp and creates challenges with routine activities. [6]  

Testicular Pain At Home

Now that you have learned about the usual factors leading to testicular pain, let us now discover treatment options available at home. These remedies only work for mild cases that don’t involve conditions that require immediate medical help.

Cold therapy or ice packs: Cold therapy is useful in reducing pain, swelling [7], and inflammation. It can be helpful when the discomfort is brought on by varicocele, trauma, or strain. 

Procedure- 

• You should use clean towels to wrap ice cubes and apply them gently over the scrotum for 15–20 minutes at intervals of 1–2 hours for relief.
• Using ice directly on skin should be avoided because it can lead to tissue damage and frostbite.  [7] 

Warm bath: Taking a warm bath for 15-20 minutes may help in reducing testicular pain. It relaxes scrotal muscles and eases discomfort when pain is from minor strains or muscles. [8] 

Wear a jockstrap or supportive underwear: The use of briefs and athletic jockstraps as underwear creates a gentle support system. These types of underwears restrict scrotal movement and reduce testicular strain throughout the day.

People who have ongoing dull pain, pain from varicocele or hydrocele, and postsurgical pain can benefit from wearing this type of underwear. [9] 

Elevating the scrotum: Elevating any part of the body [7] can help reduce the pain. This also applies to scrotum. Elevating testicles slightly provides both reduced swelling and enhanced blood flow. This specific positioning benefits patients who experience epididymitis or have suffered a minor testicular injury.

Procedure- 

• Position yourself flat on your back with a rolled towel or small pillow positioned under your scrotum to receive support. 
• The scrotal area receives increased support from this positioning because it reduces gravitational pressure.

Hydration: Keeping yourself hydrated may help in relieving symptoms of testicle pain that arise due to infections, irritation and burning.

Over-the-counter medications:The mild testicular pain may benefit from some non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). [10] These medications help in improving pain and inflammation.  

Home Remedies Are Not The Final Answer

Let’s be real, home treatments are not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Home remedies provide temporary relief for minor discomfort, but they do not replace the need for professional medical treatment. In some cases of testicular pain where the underlying cause can be infections or torsions, delaying medical diagnosis may create a giant mess. Immediate medical assistance is required whenever you notice sudden severe pain, swelling, redness, nausea, vomiting, fever, or pain that persists beyond two days. Always seek professional guidance by consulting a healthcare professional to receive appropriate medical care.

Home treatments work for mild pain management yet you should avoid delay when symptoms worsen. An early diagnosis will help stop complications from developing while also allowing protection of reproductive health.