Experiencing Testicle Pain?

Overview of Testicle Pain

Testicle pain can be a signal that something is awry “down there.” Often times, testicular pain in men is caused by a sexually transmitted disease. Other conditions may be responsible for the discomfort, but due to the widespread nature of STDs, these infections are the likely cause. Among STDs, testicle pain may be a symptom of gonorrhea.

Testicle pain may be accompanied with other symptoms. When caused by gonorrhea or other STDs, the following symptoms may be present:

• Swollen testicle(s)
• Mild, penile discharge
• Burning sensation while urinating

Possible Causes of Testicle Pain

• Sexually transmitted diseases are spread through unprotected oral, anal and vaginal sex.
  • Gonorrhea
  • Chlamydia
  • Trichomoniasis
• Epididymitis, inflammation of the epididymis. This may be caused by a bacterial or STD infection.
• Orchitis, an inflamed testicle. This may be a complication of an untreated STD.
• Urinary tract infection, a bacterial infection of the urethra
• Testicular torsion, a twisted testicle.
• Testicular cancer can cause testicle pain, but is very rare compare to other causes.

Diagnosing Testicle Pain

When testicle pain is present, the first order of business is STD testing. STD and gonorrhea testing is a quick, painless way to confirm or rule out several causes of this problem. Chlamydia, trichomoniasis and gonorrhea testing is available at thousands of local labs across the country or even through at-home STD testing kits.

If you are not at risk for STDs, a doctor can further evaluate your condition and help reach a diagnosis.

Treating Testicle Pain

If caused by gonorrhea, testicle pain is treated with the antibiotic doxycycline. Other STDs are treated with different prescription medications. Conditions that are caused by advanced, untreated STDs such as epididymitis or orchitis are often treated with antibiotics as well.

Important: Be sure to avoid any sexual contact until treatment is complete. Also, any partner who may have been exposed must have a test for gonorrhea and other STDs. Failure to follow these two guidelines may cause you to re-contract gonorrhea or STDs.

If caused by other conditions, a doctor will administer proper treatment.