General
Information
DEFINITION--Twisting of the spermatic cord of the testicle, damaging the
testicle--sometimes irreversibly. Testicle torsion usually occurs on one side only. Prompt
treatment is necessary to salvage the affected testicle.
BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Testicle; spermatic cord; blood supply to each.
SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Males of all ages, but most common in adolescents (12
to 20 years).
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- Sudden pain in one testicle.
- Swelling, redness and tenderness of the scrotum.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Sweating.
- Rapid heartbeat, if pain is severe.
CAUSES--Usually unknown. It is occasionally present at birth, or may rarely be
caused by an injury or sudden, forceful contraction of muscles attached to the testicle
and spermatic cord.
RISK INCREASES WITH--Unknown.
HOW TO PREVENT--Wear an athletic supporter or cup when participating in contact
sports to prevent genital injury.
What To Expect
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--
- Your own observation of symptoms.
- Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
- Ultrasound (sometimes) (See Glossary).
APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE
- Doctor's treatment.
- Surgery to untangle the twisted spermatic cord and to attach the affected testicle to
the inside scrotal wall, which prevents recurrence. The surgeon will probably operate on
the unaffected testicle also to prevent torsion.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Death of cells in the testicle caused by a diminished or
blocked blood supply. This strangulation requires removal of the affected testicle and
spermatic cord.
PROBABLE OUTCOME--Sometimes the torsion will correct itself, symptoms will
disappear and no treatment will be needed. However, the testicle is usually injured beyond
repair unless surgery is done within 3 to 4 hours after symptoms begin. If one testicle
must be removed, the remaining healthy testicle should provide enough hormones for normal
male maturation, sex life and reproduction.
How To Treat
GENERAL MEASURES--
- After surgery, use ice packs to relieve pain and swelling. Wrap the ice in plastic.
Apply it to the affected side, separating the ice from the skin with a cloth towel. Apply
ice 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Repeat as often as necessary.
- Return to your doctor for suture removal in about 7 days.
MEDICATION--After surgery, your doctor may prescribe pain relievers.
ACTIVITY--Resume your normal activities gradually after surgery.
DIET--No special diet.
Call Your Doctor If
- You have symptoms of testicular torsion. This is an emergency!
- Signs of infection begin after surgery. These include fever, chills, muscle aches,
headache, dizziness and a general ill feeling.
- Excessive bleeding occurs at the surgical site.
