What Are Testicles and What Do They Do?

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Like any part of the body, testicles can be affected by disease, injury, or infection. Here are some of the most common conditions and complications of the testicles.

Hydrocele

A hydrocele is a type of swelling in the scrotum that happens when fluid collects in the thin sac that surrounds a testicle. It often occurs in newborns, and it goes away without treatment by age one. Older children and adults can get hydrocele as the result of an injury to the scrotum or other health issues. It doesn’t always require treatment, but people should see a healthcare provider if the scrotum looks swollen.

Varicocele

Varicoceles are enlarged veins within the scrotum that can contribute to infertility. Symptoms are usually mild, but some people notice dull pain, swelling or shrinking in the testicles, or a small lump above the affected testicle. Varicoceles often resolve on their own, and can sometimes be treated with ice or even a different style of underwear. But in severe cases marked by significant pain or infertility, surgery may be necessary.

Testicular Torsion

Testicular torsion is a painful condition where the testicle twists, cutting off its blood supply. It can be caused by an injury, but most cases happen in people who have “bell clapper” testicles, which allow the testicles to move freely in the scrotum.

Symptoms include sudden, severe pain and swelling. This condition is a medical emergency; if not treated within a few hours, it can lead to permanent damage or loss of the testicle.

Low Testosterone (Hypogonadism)

Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, is a condition where the body isn’t making enough testosterone. Males can be born with low testosterone, or it can develop later in life. Many different health conditions can lead to low testosterone production, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and autoimmune diseases.

In children, low testosterone causes delayed puberty and lack of secondary sexual characteristics, such as facial hair or a deeper voice.

In adults, low testosterone can cause both sexual symptoms, such as erectile dysfunction, infertility, or enlarged breasts, and nonsexual symptoms, such as fatigue and depression. In some cases, low testosterone is managed with hormone replacement therapy, but clinicians may also advise lifestyle changes such as exercise and weight loss.

Testicle Infections

Infections can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in the testicular area, as well as fever and general illness.

  • Epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis, the coiled tube at the back of the testicle, commonly caused by intestinal bacteria or the sexually transmitted diseases chlamydia or gonorrhea.
  • Orchitis is a viral infection that spreads to the testicle through the bloodstream.
The pain of an infected testicle can be bad enough to make walking difficult or impossible. You should call a doctor immediately if you suspect a testicular infection. Treatment with antibiotics is often fast and successful.

Testicle Injuries (Contusion, Dislocation, Degloving)

Because the testicles are on the outside of the body, they are more vulnerable to blunt force and penetrating injuries. Injuries to the testicles can include dislocation, which is when something forces the testicle out of position, or degloving, which is when an accident removes the scrotum covering the testicles.

Symptoms typically involve intense pain, swelling, and bruising. It’s important to seek medical care immediately for this type of injury because it can lead to complications, such as loss of the testicle.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer among young males.

Cancer of the testicles usually takes the form of out-of-control growth of the cells that produce sperm. It often presents as a bump or lump in the testicle, and may cause a dull ache in the lower belly, groin, testicle, or scrotum.

Treatment usually involves the surgical removal of the testicle. If the cancer has spread, surgery might be followed by chemotherapy or radiation.

 Testicular cancer is highly treatable; only a tiny minority of men with the condition will die from it.

Male Infertility

Conditions such as varicocele, hormonal imbalances, and infections can all cause infertility — the inability to conceive a child. A man might become infertile for a number of reasons, including low sperm production, abnormal sperm function, or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm.

Infertility may have no other symptoms, but can lead to profound disappointment and emotional stress. Treatment options vary, ranging from lifestyle changes and medications to assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF, depending on the underlying cause.

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