What it is
It is treated with antibiotics, along with rest, painkillers and supporting the scrotum. Sexual partners may need testing and treatment.
Sudden severe testicle pain can also be testicular torsion, which is an emergency, so it needs checking quickly.
Common signs
- Pain and swelling in one testicle, coming on over a day or two
- The scrotum feeling warm and tender
- Discharge from the penis or pain when peeing
- Fever
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination
- Urine tests and swabs for infections
- Ultrasound in some cases
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Test results
- Antibiotics given
- Ultrasound reports
Questions to ask your doctor
- What caused the infection?
- Do my partners need to be tested?
- When should the swelling go down?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Sudden severe pain in a testicle: go to an emergency department straight away, it may be torsion
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.