Twisting a testicle can be a serious medical condition and can require immediate medical attention. If a testicle is twisted, it is usually very painful and accompanied by swelling, tenderness, and discoloration.
It can also cause nausea and vomiting. When a testicle is twisted, it cuts off the blood supply to the testicle, which can cause tissue damage and, if not treated promptly, the testicle may need to be surgically removed.
Symptoms of a twisted testicle include high fever, sudden intense pain in the lower abdomen or scrotum, nausea, vomiting, and swelling of one or both testicles. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately as it is a medical emergency.
Treatment may include antibiotics and pain relief to reduce inflammation, as well as surgery to untwist the testicle and prevent any further damage.
How do you fix a twisted testicle?
Treatment for a twisted or tangled testicle (testicular torsion) usually requires emergency surgery. The testicle is untwisted and stitched in place, which is designed to keep the testicle from twisting again.
If the testicle has been without blood flow for too long, it cannot be saved and will be removed (orchiectomy). Depending on your situation, the doctor may remove part of your scrotum as well.
Once the surgery is complete, the remaining testicle (or artificial implant) should be able to produce normal male hormones and sperm. Your doctor may also suggest a support garment that fits snugly against your groin area to offer support and prevent twisting in the future.
Once recovered, your doctor will probably recommend that you check your testicles regularly and seek immediate medical attention if you feel any swelling, tenderness, or changes.
Can twisted testicle repair itself?
It is possible for a twisted testicle to repair itself without medical intervention, although it is not always likely. A twisted testicle seldom occurs without some kind of trauma or injury, and the cause of the twist must be identified and treated before the testicle can heal itself.
If the testicle is twisted to the point where its blood supply is cut off, the testicle cannot repair itself, and emergency medical treatment may be necessary.
For mild twisting, the conditions must be closely monitored through medical testing, such as a physical exam, ultrasound, or scrotal Doppler. If any symptoms, such as pain, occur, then medical treatment should be sought in order to lower the risk of future complications.
Pain medications or the use of an athletic supporter can help relieve the pain. Surgery may be necessary, however, if the testicle does not untwist within several days.
When seeking medical treatment, the doctor may attempt manual detorsion, or untwisting, of the testicle to relieve the pain and to restore the blood supply. Surgery is usually recommended if the testicle has become twisted due to a serious infection or a tumor, or if manual detorsion is not successful.
The goal is to avoid further tissue damage, maintain fertility, and reduce the risk of future strains and twisting of the testicle.
What causes a testicle to twist?
A testicle can twist due to a condition called testicular torsion. This occurs when the spermatic cord, the bundle of fibrous tissue, blood vessels, and nerves that connect the testicle to the body and supplies it with blood, becomes twisted.
This usually happens because the tissue has become too soft and/or elongated, or because of a medical condition that puts increased pressure on the testicles. Testicular torsion is very painful and requires emergency surgery to repair the twisted tissue and restore blood flow to the testicle.
Without treatment, the testicle can die. Risk factors for testicular torsion include physical trauma and injury to the lower abdomen or genitals, which could occur during sports or other activities, as well as a family history of testicular torsion.
How do you know if your testicle is twisted?
If your testicle is twisted, it is known as testicular torsion and can be quite painful. The most common symptom of a twisted testicle is sudden and severe pain in the scrotum. Other symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, are also possible.
In some cases, there may be swelling, redness, and a feeling of heaviness in the testicle. The testicle may also be higher than normal and you may have difficulty or be unable to move it. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor immediately as testicular torsion can cause the testicle to become damaged or destroyed if it is not treated quickly.
How do you fix testicular torsion at home?
It is not advised to try to fix testicular torsion at home. Testicular torsion is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the spermatic cord twists and cuts off the blood supply to the testicle, which can lead to permanent damage or even loss of the testicle if not treated quickly.
If a person suspects they are experiencing testicular torsion, they should contact their doctor right away or go to the nearest emergency department. Symptoms of torsion include sudden, severe pain, swelling, tenderness, and redness of the scrotum.
A doctor will need to do an exam and may order tests to determine the cause. The doctor may recommend manual detorsion, which involves the doctor manually trying to untwist the spermatic cord, or they may opt for surgery.
While it is not advised to try to fix testicular torsion at home, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms so that a person can seek medical attention and get treatment.
Can testicular torsion stop sperm?
Yes, testicular torsion can stop sperm from being produced. Testicular torsion occurs when a testicle becomes twisted, cutting off its blood supply, which is necessary for sperm production. When this condition is left untreated, it can prevent sperm from being produced and released.
If left untreated, the testicle may become infected and start to decay, further decreasing a man’s ability to produce sperm. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of testicular torsion are necessary to prevent serious damage to the testicles and their ability to produce sperm.
Treatment may involve detorsion, or twisting, of the testicles back into place to restore the blood supply and start sperm production again.
How long does it take to recover from a testicular torsion?
Recovery from a testicular torsion can typically take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The first step in recovery is to have surgery to untwist the spermatic cord and reposition the testicle in its normal position, a process that usually only takes a few hours to complete.
After the surgery, most patients will experience some pain and discomfort which can be managed with medication and ample rest. Swelling may also occur, which can last for several weeks. After the procedure, patients typically return for follow-up appointments to assess recovery progress and make sure that the testicle has remained in the proper position.
It’s also important for patients to take steps to prevent recurrence, such as avoiding strenuous physical activity in order to reduce the risk of swelling or inflammation that may lead to a torsion again.
With proper care and followup appointments, most people have full recovery and no long-term effects following a testicular torsion.
Is testicular torsion embarrassing?
Testicular torsion is usually not particularly embarrassing because it is a medical condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is a medical emergency that needs immediate attention and can often result in the loss of a testicle if not treated quickly and properly.
Although it can be an embarrassing situation to be in, it is important to remember that you should seek medical attention as soon as you suspect you may be suffering from testicular torsion. This way, you can minimize any lasting damage and protect your health in the future.
It can also be beneficial to talk with a close friend or family member about the condition so that they can help you find the support and resources you need to have the best possible outcome.
How fast does testicular torsion need to be fixed?
Testicular torsion is a medical emergency and should be managed promptly. While the testis will not always be permanently damaged so long as it is reimplanted within six hours, the sooner the testis is manually untwisted the better the chances of saving it.
A testicular torsion typically causes severe pain and, if not treated immediately, can cause permanent damage to the testicle. In most cases, surgical detorsion of the testicle is performed within six hours of the initial pain.
Doctors recommend that testicular torsion be fixed as soon as possible and within 2 to 6 hours from the onset of the pain. Delayed treatment can lead to irreparable damage of the testicle and result in the need for testicular removal or radical vascularized orchiopexy pursuant to orchiectomy (surgical removal of the testicle).
Because of the risks to fertility and the potential for permanent damage to the testicles, it is important to get emergency medical attention anytime testicular torsion is suspected.
Can you walk after testicular torsion surgery?
Yes, you can walk after testicular torsion surgery. Testicular torsion is a condition where the spermatic cord gets twisted around itself, cutting off its blood supply to the testicles. In order to save the testicles, surgery is needed.
During the surgery, the testicles are untwisted and then secured in place with suture material to prevent it from twisting further. Recovery after surgery is relatively quick, with most people able to walk around the home soon after the procedure.
However, you should always discuss with your doctor on the recommended timeline for returning to your normal activities. Moving around soon after the procedure can help with blood circulation and help promote healing, but you should avoid any activities that can put too much strain on your abdomen like heavy lifting or high intensity exercise.
During recovery, you should also follow your doctor’s instructions for taking medications, changing bandages, and preventing infection. With proper care after surgery, you should be able to walk as normal within a few weeks.
How long is too long for testicular pain?
Testicular pain should not last longer than a few days or a week. If you are experiencing chronic, persistent pain or discomfort over a prolonged period of time it’s important to speak with your doctor about it.
It could be a sign of a more serious condition such as a hernia, testicular torsion or testicular cancer. Your doctor may perform a physical exam to rule out any serious medical condition as well as order lab tests, imaging tests or other diagnostics to further investigate the cause of your pain.
It’s important to seek medical attention if you’re experiencing testicular pain that lasts longer than a few days so that the underlying cause can be properly diagnosed and treated.