Left Testicle Pain and Swelling – Causes and Treatment
It is obvious to wonder why we are mentioning just the left testicle and not the complete organ. To clear the question in your mind, the anatomy of the left testicle is slightly different from the right one. The anatomic structure of the left testicle makes it more prone to problems of pain and swelling.
You must know that there are various conditions that can cause left testicle pain. And not looking out for the root cause which in turn aggravates the condition can become a major threat to your health.
Here are the major causes of pain and swelling in the left testicle
Injury- Testicles are highly prone to injuries during vigorous physical activities such as sports or intense swimming. Other than these, accidents and fights can also result in either injury or trauma to the testicle.
The injured testicle becomes painful and sore. It is a very commonly found condition in the left testicle.
In such a case, you should immediately reach out to a doctor without much panic. Usually, the doctor recommends mild painkillers and using ice packs to subside the swelling. So, there is nothing major to worry about.
Hydrocele
A hydrocele is one of the very common disorders found in men. It is a condition in which fluid accumulates or collects in the sac surrounding the testes (called scrotum). This accumulation of fluid in the scrotal sac causes swelling along with itching and pain. A hydrocele is more common in infants and goes away on its own. But this is not the case for adults.
Hydrocele can form due to an injury or trauma to the testicle as discussed above. Hydrocele in adults can get severe with time and swelling may keep on aggravating. It is obvious to conclude that hydroceles are very discomforting. Hence, it is highly advised to attend the condition in time.
The most effective way to get rid of this cause of pain and swelling in the left testicle is the laser hydrocelectomy. The laser treatment for hydrocele offers the permanent solution to it and you are good to resume your life routine in just 3-5 days.
Varicocele
Varicocele is a condition in which the veins in the scrotum become enlarged due to pooling of blood inside them. This, very often, leads to swelling in the scrotum as well. Varicoceles can occur on both sides, but they are more commonly seen on the left side because of the anatomy of the body.
Varicoceles mainly occur due to weak and damaged vein walls and valves. When vein valves do not function properly, reflux of blood occurs and the blood starts to accumulate in the vein itself, thereby making it enlarged.
Although varicocele may not be very painful or discomforting, they can surely lead to a number of problems in your personal as well as professional life. Varicoceles are often associated with fertility problems in men, and thus it is advised to get proper treatment for varicoceles in time.
The most advanced and convenient treatment option for varicoceles is laparoscopic varicocelectomy. The laparoscopic treatment involves no major cuts and offers a speedy recovery.
Spermatocele
A spermatocele is an abnormal condition in men in which a fluid-filled sac forms inside the epididymis- the tube that transports the sperm from the upper part of the testicle. Spermatoceles are also known as spermatic cysts and are usually benign.
The exact cause of spermatocele is not known. However, many doctors believe that a blockage in the tubes can result in a spermatocele. If the cyst is small, prominent symptoms may not be present. In cases where the cysts grow large enough, symptoms may arise. Large spermatoceles often cause pain, swelling, and heaviness in the testicle.
Spermatoceles are usually treated through a surgical procedure known as spermatocelectomy. However, since the surgery carries an associated risk of fertility problems, it is advised to undergo the surgery after the patient is done fathering children.
Hernia- An inguinal hernia forms when a part of the intestine or abdominal fat bulges into the groin region. Injury again is a major factor for hernia too. The inguinal hernia occurs when due to any abnormality or injury, the lining between the abdomen and the groin area opens up. This creates a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. The abdominal organs or tissues can then push through this weak spot and enter the groin area, leading to severe pain and swelling.
Doctors treat hernia by pushing the abdominal tissue back. If this is not possible, a hernia correction surgery is performed and then the lining is closed off to prevent any further similar incidences.
Testicular torsion
Testicular torsion is a rare and emergency condition in which the testes twist around the spermatic cord. It is so rare that only 1 case of testicular torsion arises in about 4000 men.
Testicular torsion occurs when the tissue around the testicles is not attached too well. A deformity known as “Bell Clapper” deformity can also lead to testicular torsion. Testicular torsion symptoms include severe pain and swelling in the testicles and the discoloration of the scrotum.
Since the twisting of the testicles cuts off the blood supply to the testes, testicular torsion, if left untreated, can damage the testes permanently. Testicular torsion needs to be treated within 6 hours, otherwise, the patient may lose his testicle.
Testicular torsion is treated through surgical procedure only. In the surgical treatment, the surgeon untwists the spermatic cord and then sews around to prevent any further torsion. If proper treatment is delayed and the testicle cannot be saved, the surgeon removes the affected testicle and then sews stitches around the other testicle to prevent it from twisting.
The Bottom Note
If you are currently suffering from left testicle pain and swelling, you might have identified with any of the above-mentioned conditions. So, please get in contact with a urologist near you for proper diagnosis and treatment. Delaying the treatment can adversely affect your health and add up to your worries.
So, better make the wise decision of getting immediate mental attention and free yourself of worries.
