About the topic
Pain in a testicle has several possible causes, including infection, injury or twisting of its blood supply. You cannot reliably tell the cause at home. Sudden severe pain may be testicular torsion, where rapid treatment is needed to protect the testicle.
What to do now
- For sudden severe pain, go straight to emergency care rather than waiting for an appointment.
- Tell the team exactly when pain began and about nausea, injury or swelling.
- Ask someone to accompany you; do not drive yourself to emergency care.
Symptoms & signs
- Pain or aching in one or both testicles; sudden severe pain is an emergency.
- Swelling, a lump or a change in testicle shape or size.
- Pain with nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain needs immediate care.
When to speak with a clinician: Get an urgent review for a new lump, swelling, change in shape or persistent ache, even if discomfort is mild. Do not try to identify the cause yourself.
Food & nutrition
Food cannot treat testicular torsion or make sudden severe pain safe to watch at home. Immediate medical care takes priority over nutrition advice.
Foods & nutrition to follow
- Follow emergency staff instructions about eating and drinking while being assessed.
- After assessment, return to balanced meals as your treating team advises.
Foods to limit or avoid
- Do not delay emergency assessment to eat or try drinks or supplements.
- No special food exclusion is suggested once the cause has been assessed.
About this guide
General adult health information; it does not diagnose your symptoms or replace individual medical advice. Follow any plan your treating team has given you.
Further reading from the clinical sources used for this guide: