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Scrotal Swelling

Swelling of the scrotum or testicle is not normal.
All men with swelling or lump of the scrotum or testicle should see a doctor for an exam.
All men with severe pain, or constant pain lasting more than one hour, should see a doctor right away.

There are many things that can cause swelling in the scrotal area or testicle.

Two serious causes of scrotal pain and swelling are torsion and strangulated inguinal hernia.

Torsion of testis: If a testicle (testis) turns or twists inside the scrotal sac, it can twist the blood vessels that are joined to it. This can cut off the blood supply to the testicle. This is called torsion of the testis (or testicle). The main symptoms are pain and swelling of a testicle. This is a medical emergency. If this is not fixed quickly, it can cause the testicle to die.
Strangulated inguinal hernia: An inguinal hernia is a small piece of bowel (gut) that pushes up through a weak spot in the muscles in the groin area. It feels like a soft bulge in the groin that pops in and out. A strangulated inguinal hernia means the hernia gets stuck, and its blood supply is cut off. This can cause severe belly and groin pain. This is a medical emergency. If this is not fixed quickly, it can cause the trapped area of bowel to die.

When to Call for Scrotal Swelling
Call Doctor or Seek Care Now Scrotum is painful or tender to touch Constant pain in scrotum or testicle lasts more than 1 hour Fever Vomiting You feel weak or very sick You think you need to be seen, and the problem is urgent	Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours Scrotal pains come and go, and last more than 24 hours Blood in urine (red, pink, or tea-colored) Blood in semen Pain or burning when passing urine Looks like a boil, infected sore, or other infected rash You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent Contact Doctor During Office Hours Swelling goes away when you push on it, and no pain Painless lump on testicle All other men with scrotum swelling You have other questions or concerns

What You Should Know:
- Swelling of the scrotum or testicle is not normal.
- All men with swelling or a lump of the scrotum or testicle should see a doctor for an exam.
- All men with severe pain, or constant pain lasting more than one hour, should see a doctor right away.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Severe pain
- Constant pain lasts over 1 hour
- Pain comes and goes and lasts more than 24 hours
- You think you need to be seen
- You get worse

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.