Testicular Injuries And Trauma
Even imagining taking a kick or a hit to your testicles can be enough to bring tears to your eyes, never mind it actually happening! No matter how hard you may try to avoid it, injuries and trauma can happen to the testicles, even when you are not playing sport. Learning to recognise the symptoms and act quickly is the best way to reduce the chances of long-term damage from testicular trauma or injury.
Testicular Trauma And Torsion
The testicles hang in a sac (known as the scrotum) outside the body in order to make them a little cooler, as they work better at a slightly lower than normal body temperature. While having the testicles outside the body may aid fertility, it means that they are exposed to the possibility of injury and trauma. Most men know how painful it is if testicles are hit, kicked or crushed. However, because the testicles hang loosely and are made of a spongy material, they can usually absorb most of the impact without permanent damage occurring. This type of testicular trauma is common for men and happens regularly when playing sports.
A rare but serious type of trauma that may happen to the testicle is testicular rupture. This happens when there is a direct hit to the testicle, UTI) can cause a lot of pain in and around the testicles, so your GP may well check to make sure you do not have a UTI. Other tests such as ultrasound may be performed in order to diagnose the problem.
If you have testicular torsion, your GP will either rectify the problem him or herself or you will be referred to hospital for further assessment.
If you have suffered a testicular rupture, you will usually need to be referred to a specialist.
Dealing With Testicular Injuries
If you have suffered a testicular injury, lie down wearing underwear that gently supports the testicles and use icepacks to relieve swelling and pain. (Icepacks should be wrapped in a facecloth or towel; they should not directly touch the skin). If the pain does not resolve within a few hours or if you have very severe pain or swelling, you should see your GP.
If you have suffered testicular torsion or rupture, it will probably take some time until you are completely back to normal - follow your GPs advice until you are fully recovered.
Young men sometimes worry that a blow to the testicles might affect sperm production or their future sex life. Luckily, the testicles tend to recover from most trauma or injury, and in the rare case where one testicle has to be removed, sperm usually continues to be produced by the other testicle. If treatment is received within six hours of pain starting, it is unusual for a testicle to have to be removed. After 6 hours, the risk of the testicle having to be removed is much greater, so it is extremely important to get treatment IMMEDIATELY.
Preventing Testicular Injuries
Always wear protective underwear and an athletic cup when you are playing sports or doing strenuous activity. This is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself from testicular injury whether you are training or competing. Some sports are more risky than others - but why take risks with any sport?
Make sure you are wearing the right size of underwear or athletic cup if you use one. Badly fitting gear will not protect you as well from injury.
If you have testicular pain, when you are playing sport, even occasionally, let your GP know as part of a regular medical examination.
