This article explains the symptoms and causes of testicular torsion and how this serious medical condition is treated.
It is housed within a sac-like pouch of skin called thescrotumsituated just below thepenis.
Testicular torsion is a relatively rare condition that almost always involves only one testicle.
Illustration by Theresa Chiechi for Verywell Health
It is rare for bilateral (two-sided) testicular torsion to occur.
It can occur while standing, sitting down, or even while asleep.
Possible complications of testicular torsion include chronic scrotal pain, infertility, andhypogonadism(low testosterone).
The risk of complications increases the longer that emergency treatment is delayed.
Intermittent Testicular Torsion
Some people may experience symptoms of testicular torsion that spontaneously subside.
Causes of Testicular Torsion
It is not always clear what causes testicular torsion.
However, some males are born with a condition known as the bell clapper deformity.
This is when the testicle hangs freely without the tissue “scaffolding” that limits its movement.
A deformity of this sort can predispose a person to testicular torsion.
Testicular torsion in newborns usually causes no pain.
How Common Is Testicular Torsion?
Testicular torsion is relatively uncommon, affecting one in every 4,000 males under the age of 25.
With that said, it can affect males of all ages, from newborns to seniors.
Males ages 12 to 18 account for roughly 65% of cases.
Diagnosis
Testicular torsion is diagnosed with a physical examination of the scrotum and testicles.
An imaging equipment called aDoppler ultrasoundcan visualize blood flow to the testicle using reflected sound waves.
These two procedures are usually enough to render a diagnosis.
Immediate treatment can prevent the loss of the testicle.
Treatment For Testicular Torsion
Testicular torsion is a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment.
Long-term damage can occur if treatment is not delivered within four to six hours.
