7 Causes of swollen testicles that you need to be aware of & bull; hello healthy

The testes, also known as testicles, are the male reproductive organs. The testes have a very vital function, because they play a role in the production of sperm cells which are needed to fertilize a woman's egg. For this reason, it is natural for men to be very worried when they experience strange things in their testicles.

One of the most common is experiencing swollen testicles. So, can it harm or even have an impact on male fertility? To answer that question, of course, you must first know what causes swollen testicles.

Various causes of swollen testicles

If your testicles increase in size and harden, then you should immediately see a doctor for consultation. Especially if you experience swollen testicles followed by symptoms such as pain, back pain or difficulty urinating.

Quick treatment will certainly be better because there are several cases of swollen testicles which can have serious consequences and cause complications. Generally the causes of swollen testicles are mild things but sometimes the cause can also be dangerous. So, what causes swollen testicles?

1. Trauma or injury

Swollen testicles can occur due to injury or injury, for example, having an accident so that the lower organs are impacted. Because many men tend to do more activities such as exercising, the chances of injury in men are greater.

In addition, if you have previously performed surgical operations in the genital area such as a vasectomy, it could be that swollen testicles are a side effect of this, and this will get better by itself.

2.Inflammation of the testicles (orchitis)

Orchitis is inflammation of the testicular tissue which causes swelling of the testicles. The most common cause of orchitis is a bacterial infection or sexually transmitted disease (in men who are sexually active). But sometimes orchitis can also be caused by a viral infection, usually in children.

Symptoms of orchitis are swelling of one testicle accompanied by pain, low-grade fever and also nausea.

3. Epididymitis

Behind the two testes there is a kind of tissue called the epididymis, its function is as a place for maturation of sperm cells.

Epididymitis means that there is inflammation of this tissue, making the testicles look enlarged. The main characteristic of epididymitis is that if you feel it, there will be a kind of small lump that feels painful when pressed.

Symptoms will be the same as orchitis, but apart from that epididymitis can also cause blood in the sperm during ejaculation.

4. Varicocele

If you know about varicose veins, then this varicocele is similar to that. It's just that varicocele occurs in the testicular blood vessels.

A varicocele occurs when the veins become enlarged, so that blood collects and does not flow to the heart. It will look like a bulge of tendons on the side of the testicular sac as well as varicose veins on the legs.

Varicocele is common in young men between 15-25 years and can cause symptoms or not. Those who experience symptoms usually feel pain in the groin and one testicle (usually left) looks enlarged.

Varicocele can cause fertility problems and decreased sperm production if not treated immediately. However, sometimes it can go away on its own or it can also require surgical operation.

5. Inguinal hernia

Inguinal hernias occur when the lower abdominal wall weakens and the intestines descend into the testicular sac or side of the penis, causing the testicles to appear larger.

These herniated lumps appear when sitting or doing activities. especially lifting heavy objects. However, when you are supine, it will return to normal and go back into the stomach.

The only treatment for hernias is to perform surgery to repair the torn abdominal wall.

6. Testicular torsion

Testicular torsion is when the testicle twists, causing blood flow to the testicle to stop and this is an emergency.

Symptoms include sudden severe pain, weakness, swelling and enlargement of the twisted testicle. Handling and also treatment as soon as possible is needed to save the testes.

Handling often requires surgery. If treated immediately (within 6 hours) it is likely that the testes can still be saved. But if treated too late, there is no hope for your testicles.

7. Testicular cancer

In some serious cases, swollen testicles are a symptom of testicular cancer, although it is very rare in only 1% of cases of cancer in men and usually does not spread. Testicular cancer is very common in men ages 15-44 years.

The main symptoms of testicular cancer include enlargement of the testicles, lumps in the testicles, dull pain as well as severe core testicles.

Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that can be cured with treatment. Treatment includes surgical removal of the testicles and chemotherapy. A faster diagnosis means that more than 95% of them are fully recovered.