Testicles

Testicular pain or lump

Pain, swelling or a lump in a testicle, which can come from infection or minor causes but which, when sudden and severe — especially in a teenager or young man — may be testicular torsion, a 999 emergency, and which when a painless hard lump may be testicular cancer.

Education and reference only. This explains the common causes of testicular pain or lump and the warning signs that need urgent help, in plain language — it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a clinician. If you feel very unwell or are worried, seek medical help.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review

Quick answer

What is testicular pain or lump?

Pain or a lump in the testicle is alarming, and the most important thing is to know which features mean you must act immediately. Sudden, severe pain in one testicle, particularly in a teenager or young man and often with nausea or vomiting, can be testicular torsion — a twisting that cuts off the blood supply — and this is a surgical emergency, because the testicle can only be saved if treated within a few hours.

  • Get urgent help: Call 999 or go to A&E for sudden, severe pain in one testicle, especially in a teenager or young man, often with nausea or vomiting — this can be testicular torsion and the testicle can only be saved within hours. Arrange an urgent appointment for a new, painless, hard lump or swelling within a testicle, which can be a sign of testicular cancer.
  • Self-care: Self-care is only appropriate once dangerous causes have been excluded, because the priority with testicular pain is to rule out torsion.

About testicular pain or lump

Pain or a lump in the testicle is alarming, and the most important thing is to know which features mean you must act immediately. Sudden, severe pain in one testicle, particularly in a teenager or young man and often with nausea or vomiting, can be testicular torsion — a twisting that cuts off the blood supply — and this is a surgical emergency, because the testicle can only be saved if treated within a few hours. More gradual pain and swelling, with the testicle or the tube behind it becoming tender, often comes from infection. A separate but equally important pattern is a painless, hard lump or swelling within the testicle itself, which can be the first sign of testicular cancer — the commonest cancer in young men and very treatable when caught early. Many aches are minor, but because the consequences of missing torsion or cancer are so serious, new testicular pain or a lump should always be checked promptly.

When to get help

Call 999 now if…

Call 999 or go to A&E if testicular pain or lump comes with any of these warning signs:

  • Call 999 or go to A&E for sudden, severe pain in one testicle, especially in a teenager or young man, often with nausea or vomiting — this can be testicular torsion and the testicle can only be saved within hours.
  • Arrange an urgent appointment for a new, painless, hard lump or swelling within a testicle, which can be a sign of testicular cancer.
  • Seek same-day help for a hot, red, very swollen and tender scrotum, with or without fever, which can mean a serious infection.
  • Seek urgent help for testicular pain following an injury that is severe or not settling.
  • Get checked for testicular pain with blood in the urine or semen, or a feeling of heaviness or fluid in the scrotum.

When to see a doctor

Treat sudden, severe pain in one testicle as a 999 emergency — do not wait to see if it passes, because testicular torsion must be treated within hours to save the testicle, and it is most common in teenagers and young men. Any new lump or swelling in a testicle, even a painless one, needs an urgent appointment to exclude testicular cancer, which is very treatable when found early. Gradual pain and swelling, often from infection, also needs prompt assessment. Get to know your testicles so you can spot changes, and never feel embarrassed to seek help quickly — early assessment of these symptoms genuinely matters.

999Emergency — call 999 or go to A&E
111Urgent advice — call NHS 111 or use 111 online
GPNon-urgent — see your GP or pharmacist

Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.

What can cause it

Common causes of testicular pain or lump

Testicular pain or lump has many possible causes. Each links to a full, plain-language guide to that condition — what it is, how it's treated and when to seek help.

Epididymitis Urology Infection or inflammation of the coiled tube behind the testicle causes gradual pain, swelling and tenderness, sometimes with fever. Prostatitis Urology Inflammation or infection of the prostate can cause pain that radiates to the testicles, along with urinary and pelvic discomfort. Urinary tract infection (UTI) Urology An infection in the urinary tract can spread to or cause discomfort around the testicles, often with stinging on passing urine. Kidney stones Urology A stone passing down the tube from the kidney can cause pain that radiates into the groin and testicle on that side. Balanitis Urology Inflammation and infection around the head of the penis can cause local pain and discomfort felt in the genital area.

What helps

Self-care and what you can do

Self-care is only appropriate once dangerous causes have been excluded, because the priority with testicular pain is to rule out torsion. If a doctor has confirmed a minor or infective cause, supporting the scrotum with well-fitting, supportive underwear, resting, and applying a cold or warm compress can ease discomfort, and gentle pain relief from a pharmacist may help. Getting to know how your testicles normally feel — ideally checking them regularly after a warm bath or shower, when the skin is relaxed — helps you notice any new lump, swelling or change early. The key self-care message is awareness of the warning signs: sudden severe pain needs 999, and a new painless lump needs an urgent appointment rather than waiting.

Answers

Testicular pain or lump: frequently asked questions

When is testicular pain an emergency?

Sudden, severe pain in one testicle, especially in a teenager or young man and often with nausea or vomiting, can be testicular torsion. This is a 999 emergency because the testicle can only be saved if treated within a few hours.

I have a painless lump in my testicle — should I worry?

A new, painless, hard lump or swelling within a testicle needs an urgent appointment, as it can be a sign of testicular cancer. This is the most common cancer in young men and is very treatable when caught early.

Can an infection cause testicular pain?

Yes. Infection of the tube behind the testicle, or of the prostate or urinary tract, commonly causes gradual pain, swelling and tenderness, sometimes with fever or stinging on passing urine. This still needs prompt assessment.

How should I check my testicles?

Check them gently after a warm bath or shower, when the skin is relaxed, rolling each testicle between your fingers to feel for any new lump, swelling or change. Get anything new checked promptly rather than waiting.

Sources

Where this is drawn from

  • NICE CKS: Scrotal pain and swelling.
  • Orchid: testicular cancer.

Related symptoms

Pelvic painPain low in the tummy or pelvis that often comes from the reproductive organs, bladder or …Abdominal painPain anywhere between the chest and the groin — cramping, burning, gnawing or sharp — whic…Blood in urineBlood in the urine should always be checked by a doctor, as while many causes are treatabl…Frequent urinationNeeding to pass urine more often than usual, by day or night, which can be due to a bladde…

Tell us what you need. We'll route it to the right expert.

Request a proposal, book a scoping call, or speak to our team directly.

Request a Proposal ☎ +44 7448 439750
☎ Call Get a Proposal