Painful scrotal swelling refers to inflammation of the epididymis and testis, often causing discomfort and tenderness in one side of the scrotum. This condition can affect men of various ages and may sometimes be associated with infections spread through sexual contact.
If you are experiencing swelling, pain, or discomfort in the scrotum, you can get personalised advice from licensed doctors through Hope Plus. Early evaluation helps prevent complications such as infertility or chronic pain.
Key Takeaways
- Painful scrotal swelling often involves the epididymis and testis.
- The most common causes are sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
- Symptoms include sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes urethral discharge.
- Timely medical treatment is crucial to avoid complications.
Causes
- Neisseria gonorrhoea
- Chlamydia trachomatis
- Other infections or rarely non-infectious conditions may mimic symptoms
Symptoms
- Sudden, painful swelling on one side of the scrotum
- Tenderness to touch
- Possible urethral discharge
- Pain may increase during movement or physical activity
Differential Diagnosis
- Acute testicular torsion (a medical emergency)
- Scrotal hernia
- Tumors of the testis
Treatment
- Painful scrotal swelling is treated according to the urethral discharge protocol.
- Appropriate antibiotics are prescribed based on suspected infection and applied by the healthcare provider.
- Partners may also need evaluation and treatment to prevent reinfection.
- Follow-up care is important to ensure the infection has cleared and to monitor for complications.
Early medical attention, adherence to treatment, and partner management are key to a successful recovery from painful scrotal swelling.
