TESTICLE TORSION

General Information

DEFINITION--Twisting of the spermatic cord of the testicle, damaging the testicle--sometimes irreversibly. Testicle torsion usually occurs on one side only. Prompt treatment is necessary to salvage the affected testicle.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Testicle; spermatic cord; blood supply to each.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Males of all ages, but most common in adolescents (12 to 20 years).

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Sudden pain in one testicle.
• Swelling, redness and tenderness of the scrotum.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Sweating.
• Rapid heartbeat, if pain is severe.

CAUSES--Usually unknown. It is occasionally present at birth, or may rarely be caused by an injury or sudden, forceful contraction of muscles attached to the testicle and spermatic cord.

RISK INCREASES WITH--Unknown.

HOW TO PREVENT--Wear an athletic supporter or cup when participating in contact sports to prevent genital injury.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Ultrasound (sometimes) (See Glossary).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Surgery to untangle the twisted spermatic cord and to attach the affected testicle to the inside scrotal wall, which prevents recurrence. The surgeon will probably operate on the unaffected testicle also to prevent torsion.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Death of cells in the testicle caused by a diminished or blocked blood supply. This strangulation requires removal of the affected testicle and spermatic cord.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Sometimes the torsion will correct itself, symptoms will disappear and no treatment will be needed. However, the testicle is usually injured beyond repair unless surgery is done within 3 to 4 hours after symptoms begin. If one testicle must be removed, the remaining healthy testicle should provide enough hormones for normal male maturation, sex life and reproduction.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• After surgery, use ice packs to relieve pain and swelling. Wrap the ice in plastic. Apply it to the affected side, separating the ice from the skin with a cloth towel. Apply ice 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Repeat as often as necessary.
• Return to your doctor for suture removal in about 7 days.

MEDICATION--After surgery, your doctor may prescribe pain relievers.

ACTIVITY--Resume your normal activities gradually after surgery.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of testicular torsion. This is an emergency!
• Signs of infection begin after surgery. These include fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, dizziness and a general ill feeling.
• Excessive bleeding occurs at the surgical site.