Experiencing Swollen Testicls?

The bacteria that can produce STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can also cause a swollen testicle. In fact, a swollen testicle is an eventual gonorrhea symptom. When gonorrhea goes untreated in men, it can lead to epididymitis, an infection of the tube that carries semen out of the testicles. This condition, in turn, can result in a swollen testicle.

What a Swollen Testicle Looks and Feels Like

A swollen testicle may produce rapid or eventual pain that can spread to the groin area as well. When a testicle is swollen, it often feels heavy. A swollen testicle can also result in fever, nausea, burning or painful urination, penile discharge, and blood in the semen.

Who's at Risk for a Swollen Testicle?

Any man who has unprotected sex is exposing himself to the possibility of an STD that can cause a swollen testicle. To avoid this and other STD symptoms, always use condoms during intercourse or limit sexual activity to a single partner who has undergone STD testing and is confirmed to be disease-free.

There are certain risk factors for swollen testicles that aren't related to sexual habits or STDs. Men who have a tendency to get urinary tract infections are at a greater risk for testicular swelling, as are those who frequently require bladder catheterization and those who have not gotten properly vaccinated against mumps.

Treating a Swollen Testicle

Treatment for a swollen testicle will usually involve the use of antibiotics. Over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen can help alleviate the discomfort caused by a swollen testicle until the condition corrects itself. Anyone who experiences a swollen testicle is also advised to undergo chlamydia and gonorrhea testing to see if these infections are to blame. If it turns out that an STD has caused testicular swelling, antibiotic treatment will be given to address the underlying infection as well.