Definition

Testicular torsion occurs when a testicle rotates, twisting the spermatic cord which supplies blood to the scrotum. By cutting off blood supply, severe pain and swelling can occur in the testicles.

Testicular torsion is most common in boys between the ages of 12 and 16, but the condition can occur at any age, even before birth.

Treatment for testicular torsion often requires emergency surgery. Depending on an individual’s condition, if the blood flow to the testicles has been cut off for too long, removal of the testicle may be needed to prevent further complications.

 

Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of testicular torsion include:

  • Severe pain in the testicle
  • Swelling of the scrotum
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Painful urination
  • Temperature

 

Causes

The exact cause of testicular torsion remains unclear. Tension torsion occurs when the testicle rotates, twisting the spermatic cord. In turn, blood supply can be cut off completely, causing damage more quickly.  

A few factors that are thought to play a role in testicular torsion include:

  • Family history of testicular torsion
  • Injury to the scrotum that results in severe swelling
  • Heavy exercise
  • Cold temperature
  • Rapid growth of the testicle during puberty

Risk factors

Factors that can increase the risk of testicular torsion include:

  • Being of younger age ( most common in boys between the ages of 12 and 16)
  • Having had prior testicular torsion
  • Having a family history of testicular torsion

 

Complications

Possible complications that can arise from testicular torsion include the following:

  • Reduction of the affected testicle in size
  • Severe damage to the testicle, which can result in complete surgical removal of the testicle
  • Severe damage or loss of a testicle can result in infertility
  • Severe infection of the testicle and scrotum is also possible if the blood flow is blocked for a longer period of time

 

Treatment

A common treatment option for testicular torsion is surgery. In some cases, a doctor might be able to untwist the testicle by pushing on the scrotum; however, surgery is still required to prevent reoccurrence. Surgical steps for testicular torsion include:

  • Going under general anesthesia
  • The doctor makes a small incision in the scrotum
  • Untwisting of the spermatic cod
  • Stitching one or both the testicles to the inside of the scrotum, if necessary

If testicular torsion is treated within six hours of the start of the pain, chances are greater that the testicle can be saved. However, if treatment occurs more than 48 hours after the start of the pain, the risk of losing the testicle increases to about 90 percent.

In rare cases of testicular torsion in newborns and infants, surgery may be needed to verify testicular cancer. Emergency surgery can sometimes save all or part of the testicle if caught quickly, and help prevent torsion in the other testicle. Treatment for testicular torsion is vital in infants in order to help prevent further problems associated with male hormone production and fertility.

 

 

Prevention

In some cases where males inherit testicular torsion, a particular measure that can help prevent the condition is surgery to connect both testicles to the inside of the scrotum.