Every man has an innate knowing that his testicles are a delicate area of his body. Even the topic of testicular pain is a sensitive one to discuss. The testicles are front and center, so to speak, which makes them vulnerable on a physical level.  Emotionally, the testicles are known to support male sexual development and virility throughout adulthood. Injury or pain in the testicles, then, can understandably present a fair amount of concern. Here, we discuss what testicular pain may mean.

Does testicular pain suggest cancer?

This is the big question, so we’ll tackle it first. Urologists may see one or more patients every week who are concerned about testicular pain. While pain itself is clearly a common issue, the correlation between pain and testicular cancer is very weak. Testicular cancer is actually quite rare, accounting for only one percent of all cancers that affect men. Furthermore, it is more likely that testicular cancer will present as swelling or a painless lump in one of the testicles. Men can and are encouraged to learn how to perform self-checks to spot testicular cancer or other changes to their anatomy.

Potential Causes of Testicular Pain

• Testicular torsion is a type of pain that may more commonly affect young men (aged 10- to 20-years). This condition can be serious due to its restriction of blood flow to the testes. Torsion typically occurs quickly and causes intense pain. If comfort does not improve within a few minutes, prompt medical attention should be sought.
• Epididymitis is a painful problem that involves inflammation in the tube at the back of the testicle. This condition is typically caused by infection. Often associated with STIs like chlamydia, it is also possible for a basic urinary tract infection to cause epididymitis. A course of antibiotics may be prescribed to resolve the infection.
• Orchitis is also related to infection. This inflammation occurs in the testicles themselves and may improve with antibiotics.
• Hydroceles can cause dull pain that also creates a sense of nausea. This condition involves fluid accumulation near or within the epididymis.
• Spermatocele is an uncomfortable problem related to fluid accumulation in the testicles.
• Varicoceles are a type of varicose vein, or swollen vein, in the testicle.

Most cases of testicular pain can be easily treated with nonsurgical or microsurgical techniques. Don’t let pain bench your quality of life. Call our Chattanooga office at (423) 778-5910 to schedule a consultation.

Approximately half a million men in our country undergo vasectomy treatment each year. This form of long-term birth control may be very common but that doesn’t mean it is an easy decision to make. Many men think about a vasectomy for years before making their final decision. In many cases, it’s not the question of permanence that stops them, it’s questions about what to expect after this procedure.

Understandably, there will be apprehension about choosing to have a delicate area of the body operated on. Many stories have been passed around about the aftermath of a vasectomy, which doesn’t help matters. Here, we want to clear up any misconceptions you may have about what it’s like to have a vasectomy. The more you know, the more peace of mind you can have about this advantageous procedure.

Vasectomy Recovery Timeline

Initial Recovery

Vasectomies are performed as an outpatient procedure. It is possible to drive yourself home or have a loved one drive you to and from your appointment. We recommend going straight home after the procedure and committing the remainder of the day to rest. We may prescribe pain medication to use as directed for a few days. During this time, you may want to stay home and stay off your feet as much as possible. Rest supports the healing process and reduces the severity and duration of post-operative swelling. An ice pack may also be applied for approximately 20 minutes, several times a day. A cloth should be placed between the ice pack and the skin.

Making Progress

During the first few weeks of vasectomy recovery, many men feel more comfortable with a little extra support. An athletic supporter, bike shorts with compression, or other garments that fit more tightly can create a sense of security around the healing scrotum.

Exercise is clearly off-limits, and it is important to also remember that “heavy lifting” includes anything that weighs more than a gallon of mild. If as healing progresses and physical strength improves, lifting is a no-no, as are exercises such as squats and crunches. After about two weeks of recovery, most activities can be resumed, so be patient with your body as it recovers.

What about sex?

This is a common question we hear from our vasectomy patients. Usually, patients can resume sexual intercourse about a week after their vasectomy. It is important to keep in mind, though, that sperm may remain in the vas deferens for several months, which means pregnancy can still occur. A reliable method of birth control should be used until we have confirmed sterilization.

Get the facts about vasectomy treatment in our Chattanooga office. Call (423) 778-5910 to schedule a consultation.