Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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General health information

Severe scrotal pain

Sudden severe pain in the scrotum is a warning sign. A twisted testicle, or testicular torsion, is an emergency that threatens the organ: the blood supply can be cut off, so quick action is needed. Do not wait if there is sudden pain on one side, a testicle sitting higher than usual, nausea, swelling or scrotal pain in a child or young person.

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  • Sudden severe pain in the scrotum, the sac containing the testicles, or in a testicle is a warning sign. The main reason is that a twisted testicle, or torsion, needs to be recognised quickly.
  • With torsion, the spermatic cord twists and the blood supply is cut off. This can quickly damage the testicle, making it an emergency that threatens the organ.
  • Other causes include inflammation of the epididymis or testicle, an inguinal hernia, fluid build-up or injury. At home, you cannot reliably distinguish these from torsion.
  • An ultrasound scan can help, but must not delay necessary emergency care when the history strongly suggests torsion.
  • Call your usual GP (family doctor) immediately, or HAP 9252, the out-of-hours GP service, outside normal opening hours. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate life-threatening emergency or if the person's general condition is seriously unstable.

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Further reading

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E
EpididymitisEpididymitis is inflammation of the tube behind the testicle that stores and carries sperm. An infection, including a sexually transmitted infection (STI), may cause it; sudden severe pain may be a twisted testicle and is an emergency.
S
Scrotal painScrotal 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.
T
Testicular cancerTesticular cancer usually develops from germ cells in one testicle. A painless lump, enlargement, hardening or new heavy feeling needs prompt investigation; sudden severe pain instead raises concern for twisting of the testicle and needs immediate emergency assessment.