What are the treatments for mild pain in the testicles?

Mild pain in the testicles can be alleviated through lifestyle adjustments, physical therapy, medication, and in some cases, surgical treatment. Testicular pain can be associated with conditions such as orchitis, epididymitis, varicocele, testicular torsion, or trauma.

1. Lifestyle adjustments

Mild pain in the testicles may be related to prolonged sitting, fatigue, or local pressure. It is recommended to avoid prolonged cycling or sitting for extended periods. Instead, choose loose and breathable cotton underwear to reduce friction. Elevating the scrotum slightly can help relieve the sensation of heaviness, and avoiding strenuous exercise can prevent further congestion. Regular daily cleaning of the perineal area with warm water helps maintain cleanliness, and it’s important to reduce the intake of spicy and irritating foods in your diet.

2. Physical therapy

During the acute pain phase, applying ice packs can help reduce swelling, for no longer than 20 minutes at a time. For chronic dull pain, you can try taking a warm sitz bath to promote blood circulation, keeping the water temperature around 40°C. Patients with varicocele can use scrotal supports under the guidance of a doctor to reduce the pressure on venous return, and combine this with local infrared therapy to improve symptoms.

3. Medication treatment

For bacterial orchitis, antibiotics such as levofloxacin hydrochloride tablets or cefaclor capsules should be used according to the doctor's instructions. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules can help relieve pain and swelling. Diosmin tablets are indicated for pain associated with varicocele. For fungal infections, topical application of clotrimazole cream is necessary; if the pain persists and worsens, intravenous medications such as piperacillin sodium and tazobactam sodium may be required.

4. Varicocelectomy

In cases of persistent testicular pain for which acute conditions have been ruled out through examination, a spermatic cord nerve block may be necessary. Under ultrasonic guidance, lidocaine injection is mixed with triamcinolone acetonide injection and then injected around the spermatic cord to block the transmission of pain signals. This procedure must be performed by a specialist in pain management and may cause side effects such as temporary numbness or local bleeding.

5. Surgical treatment

Testicular torsion requires immediate emergency orchiopexy to restore blood flow. For varicocele of grade III or higher, laparoscopic high ligation of the spermatic veins can be considered. In cases where chronic epididymitis recurs frequently or is accompanied by the formation of abscesses, epididymectomy may be necessary. All procedures require a scrotal ultrasound examination prior to surgery. Postoperatively, it is necessary to prevent infections and regularly monitor the quality of semen.

During periods of mild testicular pain, it is advisable to avoid heavy physical labor and sexual activity. It is also important to monitor whether there are any accompanying symptoms such as fever, frequent urination, or increased local redness and swelling. When sleeping at night, you can elevate your hips to improve circulation and avoid friction from tight jeans on the affected area. It is advisable to follow a light diet rich in vitamin C; foods such as kiwifruit and broccoli can help reduce inflammation. If the pain persists for more than 3 days, or if there is a hard lump in the testicle or discoloration of the scrotal skin, it is necessary to seek immediate medical attention from a urologist.