Sudden, severe testicular pain is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention, as swift diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing long-term damage. Urologists are emphasizing the importance of recognizing the symptoms of testicular torsion – a twisting of the spermatic cord that cuts off blood supply to the testicle – and seeking care within hours of onset. Delayed treatment can lead to the loss of the testicle and perhaps impact fertility, according to a recent report.
男士扭蛋之痛 恐不育
Sudden, severe testicular pain in men requires immediate medical attention, as delayed treatment can potentially lead to loss of the testicle.
Urologist Li Yujie explains that a sudden, intense pain in the lower abdomen or scrotum could indicate testicular torsion. “If not treated within a critical timeframe, the testicle can become deprived of blood flow and suffer necrosis, requiring surgical removal,” she said.
李語潔指出，若患者的睾丸扭轉情況愈嚴重，血液供應會愈受影響。
Pain That Intensifies Over Time
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Testicular torsion typically presents with a sudden onset of pain that progressively worsens, unlike the discomfort associated with a minor injury. “If a man experiences sudden, one-sided testicular pain accompanied by swelling, it’s highly suggestive of testicular torsion,” Li Yujie noted. She explained that the twisting restricts blood vessels, leading to potential ischemia and, ultimately, tissue death.
The severity of the torsion directly correlates with the degree of blood flow restriction. This condition is considered a medical emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention to untwist the vessels and attempt to salvage the affected testicle.
隨時都有可能發生扭轉，輕微碰撞也可能會觸動反射神經，引起睾丸扭轉。
Brief Relief Doesn’t Mean It’s Over
In some cases, the pain may subside temporarily as the testicle spontaneously untwists. However, Li Yujie cautioned that this does not resolve the underlying issue. “Even if the pain resolves on its own, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical evaluation and consider surgical fixation to prevent future episodes of testicular torsion.”
Even Minor Impacts Can Trigger Torsion
The highest risk group for testicular torsion is adolescent males between the ages of 10 and 20. Li Yujie explained that this is due to an underdeveloped suspensory ligament, making the testicle more prone to twisting. The risk decreases with age. She also shared cases where even minor impacts can trigger the condition, potentially activating reflex nerves and causing the torsion. “It can even occur at rest, with no apparent provocation.”
The Importance of Timely Intervention
Li Yujie emphasized the critical importance of seeking prompt medical care. “If you experience severe testicular pain, especially if it’s worsening, don’t delay. Research shows that the risk of testicular necrosis dramatically increases after 6 to 8 hours without surgical intervention.” She recommends seeking treatment within this “golden period” to maximize the chances of saving the testicle.
“Testicular pain can have causes other than torsion, such as bacterial infections like epididymitis, orchitis, or testicular appendage torsion. However, the most appropriate course of action is to proceed directly to the operating room for evaluation of the suspensory ligament,” she said.
Surgical Evaluation Provides the Most Accurate Diagnosis
While ultrasound can help assess blood flow to the testicle, surgery remains the definitive diagnostic method. “Examination in the operating room can confirm the presence of torsion and evaluate the health of the spermatic cord, providing the most reliable approach,” Li Yujie explained. Prolonged ischemia can lead to testicular atrophy and potentially affect sperm production and hormone secretion.
Could Torsion Lead to Infertility?
Li Yujie stated that the risk of recurrence is relatively low following successful surgical treatment of testicular torsion, at less than 5%. “A man with a single testicle can generally maintain fertility, but the presence of a varicocele or other complications in the remaining testicle could potentially impact reproductive capacity.” She advises patients to follow up regularly after surgery to ensure proper recovery.
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