Scrotal pain

Scrotal pain can result from bruising, inflammation, an inguinal hernia or another cause. Sudden severe pain in one testicle may be testicular torsion and must be assessed in hospital immediately to save the testicle.

• Sudden severe one-sided pain, nausea, vomiting and a testicle sitting higher or differently are consistent with torsion.
• Gradually increasing pain, swelling and warmth with fever or painful urination more often suggest inflammation.
• Do not wait with sudden severe pain; preferably avoid eating or drinking much because emergency surgery may be needed.
• Do not try to untwist a painful testicle yourself, or press or massage firmly.
• For sudden severe pain in one testicle, go to hospital or emergency care immediately for assessment; do not wait until tomorrow.
• For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.