Testicular Torsion

What is testicular torsion?

• Testicular (tes-TIK-u-lar) torsion (TOR-shun) is a condition where the spermatic cord that holds the testicle gets twisted. Each testicle is hung from a spermatic cord, a tube which contains blood vessels and passageways for sperm. The testicles are two egg-shaped organs in the scrotum that make sperm and hormones. Sperm is mixed with semen, which is the thick, white fluid released during ejaculation that may make a woman pregnant. Hormones are special substances that control how different parts of your body work. The scrotum is the sack of skin under the penis that holds the testicles.
  
  
• With testicular torsion, the blood vessels inside the spermatic cord may get pinched. When this happens, blood flow to the testicle may get blocked. When the testicle stops getting blood, it may get an infection, get smaller, and die. This condition usually happens to only one testicle, but may also happen to both. It usually affects babies up to one year of age and children 12 to 18 years of age.

What causes testicular torsion?

The cause of this condition is not always known. A birth defect may cause it, and symptoms may appear only as you get older. You may have this condition if you play sports, exercise, or had trauma and injury near the groin. Being in a cold environment most of the time may increase your risk of having this condition. Often times, this condition appears without any clear cause.

What are the signs and symptoms of testicular torsion?

• Fever.
  
  
• Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) and vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• Red and swollen scrotum.
  
  
• Testicles that appear to hang a bit higher.
  
  
• Very bad pain and tenderness in your scrotum.

How is testicular torsion diagnosed?

Your caregiver may get a complete medical history and do a physical examination. He may ask about your usual activities, such as exercise or sports. He may also ask about your sexual activity and sexual partner. You may also need any of the following tests:

• Ultrasound: An ultrasound is a simple test that looks inside your body. Sound waves are used to show pictures of your organs and tissues on a TV-like screen. Your caregiver checks for problems in your testicles and spermatic cord, including abnormal blood flow.
  
  
• Scintigraphy: This test uses radioactive dye to check for blood flow in the spermatic cord and scrotum. The dye helps the blood vessels show up better on the x-rays. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to this dye. Tell your caregiver if you have any allergies.

How is testicular torsion treated?

Your testicle may get damaged when blood flow to it is stopped. You must see a caregiver as soon as possible, hopefully within a few hours, to prevent more damage. Treatment aims to bring back the flow of blood to the affected testicle. Men with this condition may get better on their own if the testicle untwists by itself. Your caregiver may also give you medicine to decrease any pain or swelling. If your condition does not improve, your caregiver will try to untwist the spermatic cord by hand. If he is unable to do so, you may need surgery. Treatment may help affected areas function well again and prevent further damage.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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