Overview
Testicular torsion occurs when a testicle twists on its cord, cutting off its blood supply. It is a surgical emergency, most common in adolescents and young men, and can cause permanent loss of the testicle if not treated within hours. Sudden severe scrotal pain must be treated as an emergency.
Symptoms
- Sudden, severe pain in one testicle
- Scrotal swelling, often on one side
- A testicle that sits higher than usual or at an unusual angle
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal or groin pain
- Pain that may wake someone from sleep
Causes & risk factors
- Twisting of the spermatic cord that supplies blood to the testicle
- An inherited anatomical variation that allows the testicle to rotate freely
- Sometimes triggered by vigorous activity or injury
- Can occur during sleep with no obvious trigger
- More common during puberty
Treatment & self-care
This is a time-critical emergency: blood flow must be restored quickly, almost always through urgent surgery to untwist and secure the testicle. The chance of saving the testicle drops sharply after a few hours, so do not wait to see if pain eases. Go to an emergency department immediately for any sudden severe testicular pain.
See a doctor urgently if
- You have sudden, severe pain or swelling in a testicle, which is an emergency
- Testicular pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
- A testicle suddenly changes position or sits higher than normal
- Pain eased but then returned, since intermittent twisting can recur
This condition can be an emergency. If any of the signs above are severe or getting worse, go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number — do not wait for an online consultation.