Testicular pain & swellingPain in a testicle? Sudden pain can’t wait.Testicular pain is common, and most causes, such as an infection or a harmless lump, are easily treated. But sudden, severe pain can mean a twisted testicle, which needs surgery within hours. Here is how to tell the difference and when to get help.Book a GP appointmentCall 07857 761328Sudden, severe testicle pain is an emergency. Call 999 or go to A&E straight away, day or night.Same & next-day appointmentsDiscreet, unhurried checkReferral if neededYou keep your NHS GPPrivate exam £1201What is it?2Signs to look for3Causes4Who is at risk5Your appointment6Looking after yourself7Get help now8FAQs Medically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Roslan, MBChB, DGM, MRCGP · GP & Clinical Educator · GMC 7446695OUR GP Dundee · Last reviewed November 2026Seen by a GPCareful, private examinationUrine and infection testsScan or referral if neededStart hereWhat testicular pain is, and why it mattersTesticular pain is pain in one or both testicles or in the scrotum, the skin bag that holds them. It can be sharp and sudden, or a dull ache that builds up.The pain may spread to the groin or lower tummy, and problems in the tummy or back can also be felt in the testicle. Most causes are common and treatable: infections, injuries, hernias and harmless lumps such as cysts.The one cause that cannot wait is testicular torsion, when a testicle twists and its blood supply is cut off. It is most common in teenagers and young men, and needs an operation within hours to save the testicle.Sudden and severe? Act nowTreat sudden, severe pain as an emergency until a doctor says otherwise. Call 999 or go to A&E.A slower ache or swellingOften an infection, injury or hernia. Book to see a GP the same day.A painless lumpUsually harmless, but always get it checked. Testicular cancer is very treatable when found early.Feeling embarrassed is normalGPs examine testicles routinely, and you can ask for a chaperone at any appointment.Back to top ↑Signs to look forSymptoms that often come with testicular painHow quickly the pain started is the most important clue, so make a note of when it began.Sudden, severe pain in one testicle, sometimes waking you from sleepA dull ache or heavy, dragging feeling in the scrotumSwelling, redness or warmth of the scrotumA lump, hardness or change in the shape of a testicleOne testicle sitting higher than usual or at an odd anglePain spreading into the groin or lower tummyFeeling sick or being sick with the painA fever, discharge from the penis or stinging when you pass urineIn boys, torsion can show up as tummy pain. Children may feel embarrassed and only mention a tummy ache. If a boy has sudden tummy pain, gently ask whether a testicle hurts too.At OUR GPA careful, private examinationFor men with an ache, swelling or a lump in a testicle that is not a sudden emergency.A 30-minute face-to-face appointment with a careful examination, urine tests and a scan or referral if needed.Good to know: sudden, severe testicle pain is an emergency: go to A&E or call 999, do not book.About GP appointments →£12030 minutes face to face · video £110 · phone £60 Book nowBack to top ↑CausesWhat can cause testicular painThere are several possible causes. A GP will ask how the pain started and examine you to work out which is most likely.CauseWhat it meansTwisted testicle (torsion)The testicle twists on its cord and its blood supply is cut off. Sudden, severe pain, often with feeling or being sick. An emergency needing surgery.Twisted appendix testisA tiny tag of tissue on the testicle twists, mostly in boys. Painful but not dangerous, though it must be checked to rule out torsion.Epididymo-orchitisInflammation of the tube behind the testicle or the testicle itself, usually from a urine infection or a sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, and sometimes mumps. Pain and swelling build up over a day or two.InjuryA knock, kick or sports injury. Severe pain or swelling after an injury can mean bleeding inside the scrotum and needs checking.Inguinal herniaPart of the bowel pushes down from the groin into the scrotum, causing a bulge that may ache.Fluid, cysts and veinsA hydrocele (fluid around the testicle), an epididymal cyst or a varicocele (swollen veins). Common and usually harmless, though they can ache.Testicular cancerUsually a painless lump, swelling or change in shape, sometimes with a dull ache. Most common in men aged 15 to 45, and very treatable.Pain from elsewhereKidney stones, a groin strain or back problems can cause pain that is felt in the testicle.Who is more at riskSome things make certain causes more likely:Age under 25, especially teenagers: twisting (torsion)Age 15 to 45: testicular cancer, though it is still uncommonAn undescended testicle as a baby, or a family history of testicular cancerA new or several sexual partners, or sex without condomsUrine infections, an enlarged prostate or a urinary catheterContact sports, or short bouts of testicle pain in the pastShort bouts of sudden pain that go away by themselves can be a testicle twisting and untwisting. Tell a GP, as a referral to a urologist may be needed to stop it happening again.Back to top ↑Your appointmentWhat the GP will doThe aim is to rule out an emergency first, then find the cause and treat it.Ask about your symptomsWhen the pain began, how fast it came on, and any injury, lump, fever, urine problems or recent sexual contacts. Everything is confidential.Examine you carefullyThe GP gently checks your tummy, groin and both testicles. You can ask for a chaperone.Test your urineA urine dipstick and sample, plus tests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea when a sexual infection is possible.Agree a planEmergency hospital referral if torsion is possible, antibiotics for an infection, or an ultrasound scan or urgent urology referral for a lump.Back to top ↑Self-careLooking after yourselfOnce an emergency has been ruled out, these steps can help you feel better and recover.Never wait with sudden painHours matter with a twisted testicle. Go to A&E rather than waiting to see if it settles.Rest and supportRest and snug, supportive underwear ease the pain of an infection or injury.Ease the painParacetamol or ibuprofen, if they are safe for you, and a wrapped ice pack after a knock.Finish your antibioticsTake the full course. If a sexual infection is possible, avoid sex until you and any partners are treated.Check yourself monthlyAfter a warm shower, gently roll each testicle between finger and thumb to learn what is normal for you.Protect yourselfWear a box or cup for contact sports, and use condoms to lower the risk of infection. Testicular painDownload our testicular pain leafletA free two-page guide for patients, families and carers: common causes of testicular pain, how to look after yourself, and when to get help. Print it, or share it with a son, partner or friend.PDF · 2 pages · A4 · 221 KBDownload leaflet (PDF)Open to printBack to top ↑Get help nowWhen it can’t waitCall 999 or go to A&E now iftesticle pain comes on suddenly and is severe · the pain comes with feeling or being sick · a testicle sits higher than usual or at an odd angle · a boy has sudden tummy pain with a sore testicle · there is severe pain or swelling after an injuryContact a GP the same day, or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours, ifpain and swelling are building up over a day or two, you have a fever, discharge or stinging when you pass urine, pain after a knock is not settling, or antibiotics have not helped after 3 days.Book an appointment soon for a painless lump or a change in a testicle. A private appointment is not a substitute for emergency care. If you are unsure, call 999 or NHS 24 on 111.Back to top ↑FAQsCommon questions Is testicular pain always serious?No. Most testicular pain is caused by an infection, a minor injury or a harmless lump, and is easily treated. But sudden, severe pain can be torsion, which is an emergency, so it should never be ignored. How can I tell if it is torsion?You cannot be sure at home. Torsion usually causes sudden, severe pain in one testicle, often with feeling or being sick, and the testicle may sit higher than usual. Doctors sometimes need to operate to check, so if in doubt go to A&E. Can I wait until the morning?Not with sudden, severe pain. A twisted testicle is most likely to be saved if it is treated within about six hours. Call 999 or go to A&E straight away, even in the middle of the night. Does a lump mean cancer?Usually not. Most lumps in the scrotum are cysts, fluid or swollen veins. But a painless lump or change in the testicle itself should be checked by a GP, who can arrange an urgent scan if needed. What if it is an infection?Epididymo-orchitis is treated with antibiotics. If a sexually transmitted infection is possible, a sexual health clinic can test and treat you and any partners. Pain usually eases within days, though swelling can take a few weeks to settle. How do I check my testicles?Once a month, after a warm bath or shower, gently roll each testicle between your finger and thumb. Feel for lumps, swelling or changes in size or firmness. It is normal for one testicle to be slightly larger or hang lower than the other.Pain right now?If the pain is sudden and severe, call 999 or go to A&E. Out of hours, call NHS 24 on 111.Back to top ↑EvidenceWhere this information comes fromThis page follows UK and Scottish guidance on assessing scrotal pain and swelling.NICE CKS: Scrotal pain and swellingBMJ Best Practice: Testicular torsionBMJ Best Practice: Testicular cancerScottish referral guidelines for suspected cancer: testicular cancerBack to top ↑Worried about testicular pain or a lump?Book a GP appointment for a careful, private check and a clear plan.Book a GP appointmentWhatsApp 07857 761328This page is general information and is not medical advice or a diagnosis. What’s appropriate is a clinical decision made with a GP at your appointment. OUR GP is a trading name of SRS Health Group Limited, regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland. All doctors hold a licence to practise with the General Medical Council. Meet our team. We see patients from Dundee, Angus, Perthshire and Fife. More questions? See our FAQs.