Orchialgia

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Orchialgia is chronic pain of the testicles or scrotum that typically lasts for more than three months.

Causes

Common Causes

• Cancer
• Injury
• Orchialgia is a possible complication after vasectomy.
• Surgery
• Testicular torsion

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Patient usually complaints of deep aching pain in the testes. Following history has to be taken from a patient presenting with complaints of testicular pain:

• Onset can be sudden or gradual
• Site location: Unilateral or bilateral (bilateral testicular pain is more commonly seen)
• Intermittent or constant: Pain is usually intermittent and can shift from one side to the other.
• Type of pain: Patients usually have deep aching pain.
• Associated symptoms:
  • Local area redness, warmth and swelling can be seen in case of testicular torsion or infections.
  • Associated back pain and pain in inguinal area may be seen.
  • Epididymitis is often accompanied by symptoms of a urinary tract infection, fever, and in over half of cases it presents in combination with orchitis.
• Recent history of surgery and trauma to the local area needs to be elicited to know the cause of the pain.

Laboratory Findings

Testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia should be routinely performed.

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Treatment is often with NSAIDs and antibiotics. However, this is not always effective.

Related Chapters

• Post-vasectomy pain syndrome