Health information to help you understand symptoms. It isn't a diagnosis.
Check symptoms

Testicle pain or swelling

Also called: Sore testicles, scrotal pain, swollen scrotum, ball pain

Testicle pain or swelling can come from an injury, an infection, fluid buildup, or a twisted testicle (testicular torsion). Sudden, severe testicle pain is an emergency, because torsion must be treated within hours to save the testicle. Any new lump in the testicle should be checked, even if it doesn't hurt.

Common causesInjury, epididymitis, orchitis, fluid collections, torsion
Usually serious?Can be an emergency if sudden and severe
Get checked ifPain is sudden or severe, or there's a lump or fever
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

The testicles are very sensitive, so even a minor bump can cause pain. Pain can spread into the lower belly or groin, and sometimes belly pain comes before testicle pain, especially with torsion.

Testicular torsion is when the testicle twists and cuts off its own blood supply. It's most common between ages 10 and 20. If treated within about 6 hours, the testicle can usually be saved. Testicular cancer is usually painless, but any lump should be checked.

When to get medical care

Call 911Sudden, severe pain in one testicle, especially with nausea or vomiting, or one testicle sitting higher than usual (possible torsion). Severe pain after an injury.
Get care todayPain or swelling that lasts more than 1 hour after an injury to the scrotum. Pain with fever. The scrotum is warm, red, or tender. Pain with burning when peeing or discharge from the penis. Pain after contact with someone who has mumps.
See a doctor soonA lump or swelling in the scrotum, painful or not. A dull ache or heavy feeling that lasts. Swelling that comes and goes, or gets bigger when you stand or strain.

Causes

Common causes include injury, epididymitis (infection or swelling of the tube behind the testicle, often from an STI like chlamydia or gonorrhea, or a urinary infection), orchitis (infection of the testicle, sometimes from mumps), and testicular torsion. Milder pain or swelling can come from fluid collections: a varicocele (enlarged veins), a spermatocele (cyst), or a hydrocele (fluid around the testicle). Other causes include an inguinal hernia, kidney stones (pain spreading to the groin), and, less commonly, testicular cancer.

OwieClear has pages on 5 conditions that can cause testicle pain or swelling. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

Less likely causes

  • MumpsSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    A contagious virus that causes puffy, sore cheeks and jaw from swollen salivary glands, along with fever, headache, and tiredness.

  • Nonseminoma (nonseminomatous germ cell tumor)See a doctor if it doesn't get better

    One of the two main types of testicular cancer, usually in men ages 15 to 35.

  • SeminomaSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    One of the two main types of testicular cancer, usually in men ages 25 to 45.

What you can do at home

  • Support the scrotum with an athletic supporter or snug underwear.
  • Put ice on the scrotum, wrapped in a cloth, to ease swelling.
  • Take warm baths if there's inflammation.
  • Lie down with a rolled towel under the scrotum to support it.
  • Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed if the cause is an infection, and make sure sexual partners are tested and treated too.
  • Don't wait if the pain is sudden or severe. Home care is only for mild pain after a doctor has ruled out an emergency.

Medicines

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can ease pain. Don't give aspirin to children. Infections are treated with antibiotics. Testicular torsion needs emergency surgery. Large hydroceles, varicoceles, or hernias may be repaired with surgery.

At the doctor

The doctor will examine your groin, testicles, and belly.

Questions you may be asked

  • How long you've had pain and whether it started suddenly
  • Whether it's one side or both, and where it hurts
  • Whether one testicle looks higher than usual
  • Whether it spreads to the belly or back
  • Any injury
  • Any STI history, discharge, or burning when you pee
  • Fever, swelling, or weight loss

The exam

A physical exam of the scrotum, testicles, groin, and belly.

Tests

  • An ultrasound of the scrotum, often done right away if torsion is possible
  • A urine test and tests for STIs
  • Blood tests
  • A CT scan if kidney stones are possible

Prevention

You can lower the risk of some causes.

  • Wear an athletic cup during contact sports
  • Use condoms to prevent STIs
  • Make sure children get the MMR vaccine to prevent mumps
  • Do regular testicle self-exams and report any lump

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

Start the symptom checker

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.