Causes

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Testicle pain has a number of possible causes. The testicles are very sensitive, and even a minor injury can cause testicle pain or discomfort. Pain might arise from within the testicle itself or from the coiled tube and supporting tissue behind the testicle (epididymis).

Sometimes, what seems to be testicle pain is caused by a problem that starts in the groin, abdomen or somewhere else — for example, kidney stones and some hernias can cause testicle pain. The cause of testicle pain can't always be identified.

Causes of testicle pain or pain in the testicle area can include:

  1. Diabetic neuropathy
  2. Epididymitis (testicle inflammation)
  3. Hydrocele (fluid buildup that causes swelling of the scrotum)
  4. Idiopathic testicular pain (unknown cause)
  5. Inguinal hernia
  6. Kidney stones (hard objects that form due to chemicals in urine)
  7. Mumps
  8. Orchitis (inflamed testicle)
  9. Prostatitis (infection or inflammation of the prostate)
  10. Scrotal masses
  11. Spermatocele (fluid buildup in the testicle)
  12. Testicle injury or hard hit to the testicles
  13. Testicular torsion (twisted testicle)
  14. Urinary tract infection (UTI)
  15. Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)

Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.

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Oct. 19, 2021

See also

  1. Abnormal sperm morphology: What does it mean?
  2. Infertility — Not just a female condition
  3. Chlamydia trachomatis
  4. Epididymitis
  5. Gonorrhea
  6. Is a home sperm test useful?
  7. Low sperm count
  8. Male infertility
  9. Male masturbation: Does frequency affect male fertility?
  10. Spermatocele
  11. Testicular cancer
  12. Testicular microlithiasis