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Warning-sign checks

Testicle pain: when to get help

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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Go to an emergency department now for:

    • Sudden or severe pain in one testicle
    • Testicle pain with nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
    • A testicle that appears higher, twisted, or at an unusual angle
    • Severe pain or marked swelling after an injury
    • Sudden pain that improves without treatment, since twisting can temporarily undo itself
    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Do not wait to see whether sudden severe pain settles.

    Torsion is time-sensitive, and an ultrasound is not always needed before treatment when the examination strongly suggests it.

    Seek same-day medical care for pain with fever, increasing redness or warmth, painful urination, penile discharge, or worsening swelling.

    These symptoms may indicate an infection or another condition requiring treatment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if mild pain lasts more than a few days, keeps returning, or interferes with normal activities.

    Arrange an examination for any new lump, persistent swelling, change in testicle size, or ongoing feeling of heaviness, even if it is not painful.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Testicle pain. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.