top of page
PASSRACGP Logo_white.png

Progress

0%

Cardiovascular

Testicular Pain


Differentials

  • Testicular torsion (surgical emergency)

  • Epididymitis

  • Testicular trauma

  • Testicular cancer

  • Hydrocele

  • Varicocele

  • Inguinal hernia

  • Prostatitis

____________________________________


History

  • Trauma to testes

  • Dysuria or urethral discharge

  • Systemic symptoms (fever, malaise)

  • Recent sexual activity

  • Swelling or tenderness of scrotum

  • Abdominal pain

  • Recent surgeries

  • Family history of testicular cancer

____________________________________


Examination

  • Fever

  • Prehn’s sign:

    • Positive in epididymitis (pain relief with scrotal elevation)

    • Negative in torsion

  • Cremasteric reflex:

    • Absent in torsion

    • Present in epididymitis

  • Other findings:

    • High-riding testes (torsion)

    • Testicular swelling

    • Transillumination (hydrocele)

    • Tender epididymis

    • "Bag of worms" sensation (varicocele)

    • Inguinal masses or prostate tenderness

____________________________________


Investigations

  • Urine MCS and PCR for chlamydia/gonorrhoea

  • Doppler ultrasound: Differentiate torsion (reduced blood flow) from epididymitis (increased blood flow)

  • Tumour markers (AFP, β-hCG): If cancer suspected

  • FBC: Assess for infection

____________________________________


Key Notes

  • Varicocele: Manage conservatively unless testicular atrophy or reduced sperm quality; consider surgical ligation or embolisation in <21 years

  • Torsion: Requires detorsion within 6 hours for salvage

  • Epididymitis: Antibiotics targeting likely pathogens (e.g., STI or UTI)

  • Torsion = negative phrens and absence of cremasteric reflex

  • Epididymitis = positive phrens and presence of cremasteric reflex

Bookmark Failed!

Bookmark Saved!

bottom of page