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Swollen and hard testicle: causes and treatment

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

While it is true that some diseases related to the male genitalia are rare to occur, there is the possibility that at some point in life, some of them will manifest. The presence of stiff, swollen testicles should be reason enough to see a doctor.

The testicles are a sensitive area of ​​the male genital area and can be affected for a few reasons, mainly whatever is worth giving it the importance it deserves. Orchitis and testicular tumor are the most frequent reasons for the presence of a stiff and inflamed testicle; that is why in this FastlyHealarticle, we will talk a little more about this topic, and we will also explain what the recommended treatment is. Read on and find out more about hard swollen testicles: causes and treatment.

Swollen and stiff testicle from orchitis

A frequent reason for an inflamed and stiff testicle is known as orchitis, a critical condition that, by becoming visible to the patient, allows it to be detected in time before an early consultation with the specialist.

Orchitis is medically defined as an inflammatory process of the testicle, sometimes complicated by the inflammation of the epididymis; being called epididymal-orchitis, the epididymis is a tube that communicates the testicle with the vas deferens.

This condition in the testicle is usually frequent in men between 19 and 35 years of age and, in addition to generating intense pain, it is associated with other symptoms such as:

  • High fever.
  • Pain when urinating
  • Inflammation.
  • Bleeding in the semen.
  • Pain during sexual intercourse.
  • Groin pain
  • Pain in the testicle
  • Hardness when palpating or touching it.

Orchitis is usually caused by viruses or bacteria and can develop in only one testicle. In most cases, orchitis is related to mumps virus infection, and, on the other hand, it is associated with sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, chickenpox, and tuberculosis.

It also represents a risk factor:

  • Not be vaccinated against mumps.
  • Being born with an abnormality of the urinary tract.
  • Have multiple sexual partners.
  • History of sexually transmitted disease.
  • Do not use condoms during sexual intercourse.

The diagnosis of orchitis is strictly medical. This is done through the medical history, physical examination, and tests (urinalysis, testicular ultrasound, urine culture, or blood tests). The doctor will determine that this condition exists and initiate the correct treatment.

According to the MSD manual [1], unilateral mumps orchitis appears between 4 and 7 days after parotid enlargement, and in 30% of cases, the disease spreads to the other testicle within 1 to 9 days.

Swollen and hard testicle from a testicular tumor

This is the most feared cause in the presence of the inflamed and hardened testicle; it also requires giving the importance that this condition deserves. The testicle can be affected by different types of tumors and with varying degrees of aggressiveness. Regardless of this, the main characteristic is that the testicular tumor is manifested by:

  • Enlargement of the testicle.
  • Irregularity and hardness on its surface.
  • Presence of a kind of painless mass.
  • Pain in the back
  • Pain in the groin.
  • Heaviness in the scrotum.

The diagnosis is based on palpation of the testicle and the performance of specific examinations (tumor markers) and ultrasound. The earlier it is detected, the greater the chances of cure using the appropriate treatment as indicated by the specialist; in fact, the success rate of the treatment is high.

The testicular tumor can appear in one or more testicles. the risk factors related to its appearance are:

  • Family history of testicular cancer.
  • Cryptorchidism or an undescended testicle.
  • HIV infection .
  • Having had testicular cancer before.

Treatment for swollen and stiff testicle

Unquestionably, the treatment of the inflamed testicle will depend on the cause that is causing it. Some of the treatments depending on the grounds are:

  1. In case of bacterial infections, it is necessary to administer antibiotics as determined by the specialist.
  2. It is required to use the scrotum support with an athletic suspender.
  3. Apply cold compresses to the inflamed area.
  4. Use anti-inflammatories to improve pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, as the specialist directs.
  5. Physical rest for a week.
  6. Avoid lifting heavy objects.

In the case of a testicular tumor, the treatment will depend on the type of tumor and its aggressiveness. It can be based on:

  • Surgery: in case the removal of the affected testicle is necessary. Generally, this type of surgery is considered curative.
  • Chemotherapy: With the use of certain effective drugs to treat the testicular tumor, there is the possibility of some side effects.
  • Radiotherapy: depending on the aggressiveness and extension of the tumor.

Once the possible causes related to the presence of the hard swollen testicle are known, the importance of going to the specialist immediately once the first symptoms have been evidenced should not be underestimated; there should be no taboo when it comes to the genital area it is a susceptible area and essential to treat early.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Swollen and stiff testicle: causes and treatment , we recommend that you enter our category of Male reproductive system.

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