Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Go to an emergency department now if you have:
Sudden or severe pain in one testicle or the scrotum
Rapid swelling with nausea, vomiting, or lower abdominal pain
A testicle that appears higher or lies at an unusual angle
A painful groin or scrotal bulge that does not settle
Significant swelling or pain after a major injury
Rapidly worsening redness, darkened skin, confusion, or severe illness
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Sudden pain that goes away still needs urgent assessment.
A testicle can sometimes twist and untwist, causing temporary symptoms.
Seek same-day medical care for warm, red, or tender swelling, particularly if you also have fever, pain when urinating, urinary frequency, or penile discharge.
Pain or swelling that continues after a minor injury also deserves same-day advice.
A new hard area in a testicle should be assessed promptly rather than watched for several weeks.
And for anyone, someone who:
is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment for painless swelling, a new lump, recurring heaviness, or a change that persists.
And for anyone, someone who:
has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Scrotal swelling. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.