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Testicular Torsion, Adult


About this topic


The testes or testicles are small round organs. The testes are in the skin sac that hangs behind the penis. The skin sac is called the scrotum. There are many blood vessels in the sac. The blood vessels connect the testes to the rest of the body. At times, the connection between the testicle and sac is not good. Then, the testes are more likely to turn and twist around in the scrotum. ‚  
You may have this twisting and turning of the testicles. Turning of the testes is testicular torsion. The twisting stops the blood flow and you will have sudden bad pain and swelling. Cutting the blood flow for too long may badly damage the testes and other tissues. Cutting the blood flow may cause lasting harm. ‚  

What are the causes?


The exact cause of torsion is not known. Some men may have testicular torsion: ‚  
  • At birth
  • If torsion runs in the family
  • From an injury to the scrotum

What can make this more likely to happen?


  • If you are between 12 and 16 years old
  • Injury or very heavy activity
  • Rapid growth during puberty

What are the main signs?


  • Sudden pain of the scrotum
  • Testicle may be hard, tender, swollen, or darker in color
  • Belly pain
  • Throwing up
  • Lightheadedness
  • One testis is higher than the other or at an odd angle

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


The doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor will check your scrotum, testes, belly, and groin. Your doctor may order lab tests or an ultrasound. ‚  

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


  • Surgery is the only way to treat and save the testicle.
  • The doctor will do emergency surgery to loosen the twists and get blood flow back to the testicle.
  • The doctor will make a small cut in the scrotum and untwist the testicle. Actively untwisting the testicle is a surgical exploration.
  • The doctor may need to attach the testicle to the scrotum. Attaching a teste to the scrotum is an orchiopexy.
  • Sometimes, the doctor takes out a testicle because there is no blood flow to the testicle for a long time. Removing a testicle is an orchiectomy.
  • The doctor may replace the testicle with an implant. Replacing a teste with an implant is a testicular prosthesis. Prosthesis is done a few months after the testicle is taken out.
  • In rare cases, the doctor can loosen the torsion without surgery.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain
  • Prevent infection

Will there be any other care needed?


  • Take all the drugs ordered by your doctor.
  • Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
  • Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
    • When you should change your bandages
    • When you may take a bath or shower
    • If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
    • When you may go back to normal activities like work, sex, or driving
  • If bleeding happens, use a clean cloth and apply pressure for 10 minutes.

Where can I learn more?


American Urological Association Foundation ‚  
http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=34 ‚  
Better Health Channel ‚  
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Testicle_injuries_and_conditions ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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