Testicular Health Warning: Analysis of Ten Common Andrological Diseases Including Epididymitis and Varicocele

The testicles are the most important sex organs for men, producing sperm and secreting androgens. This article introduces several common testicular diseases, hoping to help men with their health and hygiene. Epididymitis is most common in men around 30 years old, often caused by a persistent urinary tract infection that allows bacteria to enter the epididymis. It frequently occurs alongside posterior urethritis and prostatitis. Symptoms include redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the scrotum, sensitivity to touch, and burning pain during urination.

Orchitis is often caused by the spread of epididymitis and is caused by bacteria. Acute orchitis in children is usually caused by the mumps virus. The clinical manifestations are similar to epididymitis, including unilateral or bilateral testicular swelling, pain upon pressure, and noticeable redness and swelling of the scrotum, which also feels warm to the touch. Varicocele occurs in 10% of men aged 30-40, with 90% occurring on the left side due to venous congestion in the spermatic cord.

It may be accompanied by testicular atrophy and impaired sperm production, leading to infertility. There may be a dull ache, or no pain at all. However, varicose veins can be seen or felt in the spermatic cord area when standing. In more severe cases, there may be scrotal swelling and pain, and lower back pain after prolonged standing, which can be relieved by lying down and resting. A seminal vesicle is a benign cyst that occurs in the testicle or epididymis; the swollen, raised mass is usually about the size of a sugar cube.

Clinically, there is no pain, but the swelling resembles a ball growing above the testicle. Under a flashlight in a dark room, the cyst will appear shiny. Hydrocele is caused by excessive water production in the tissues surrounding the testicle. It manifests as a swelling and bulge in the scrotum, sometimes reaching the size of a football, but it is not painful.

When the testicles are injured, there will be local swelling and bruising. If the blood vessels supplying the testicles are severely damaged after injury, they may atrophy and die, causing impotence or sexual dysfunction. If you experience severe pain after an injury, use a flashlight to examine the scrotum in a dark room. Testicular rupture can occur from closed injuries such as kicks, scratches, compression, or straddling. Symptoms include a curled-up body, fainting, scrotal hematoma, and blurred outline.

Scrotal skin injuries manifest as scratches, abrasions, or chafing from zippers, accompanied by bruising and hematoma. If the scrotum is torn, the testicle may be exposed. Testicular torsion is not uncommon, with a high incidence in children and those aged 20-25. The underlying cause of torsion is generally a congenital malformation of the reproductive organs. It is more likely to occur at night or in the early morning. Symptoms include sudden inability to move, swelling and tenderness of one side of the scrotum, and severe pain radiating to the lower abdomen.

Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers among young men. Before it becomes cancerous, there are often no warning signs such as pain or scrotal swelling; it is usually discovered accidentally while showering. If the swelling is enlarged and hard, you should seek medical attention immediately. In a few cases, acute orchitis can cause redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the testicles, along with chills throughout the body.