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Testicular torsion is a twisting of the spermatic cord and its contents. The twisting cuts off the testicle’s blood supply and causes sudden pain and swelling. Testicular torsion is a urological emergency and requires immediate surgery to save the testicles. Read to learn more about the symptoms, causes and treatment of testicular torsion.
Testicular torsion occurs when a testicle rotates, twisting the spermatic cord thus cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. The reduced blood flow causes sudden and severe pain and swelling. Testicular torsion is most common among young men between the age of 12 to 18, however, it can occur at any age. Testicular torsion is a urological emergency and may require emergency surgery. If treated in time, the testicle can usually be saved. If the blood flow has been cut off for too long, the testicle might become so badly damaged that it has to be removed.
Testicular torsion may present with the following signs and symptoms:
Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord that connects each testicle to the rest of the body becomes twisted, cutting off the blood flow to the attached testicle. In most males, the testicles are attached to the scrotum, making it hard for the testicles to twist. However, some males are born with no tissue holding the testes to the scrotum, this then lets the testes “swing” inside the scrotum (known as a “bell clapper” deformity), making it more prone to twisting.
Testicular torsion can also happen after strenuous exercise, or after a minor injury to the scrotum. However, most of the time there isn’t an apparent cause.
Testicular torsion is more likely to happen with the following risk factors:
Testicular torsion is often diagnosed with a physical examination by a doctor. Your doctor may also perform other diagnostic tests to help identify another cause of your symptoms. For example:
If your physical examination suggests testicular torsion, you might be taken directly to surgery without any additional testing, to avoid any delay in surgery which may result in loss of the testicle.
Testicular torsion is an emergency. If the blood supply to the testicle is cut off for more than about six hours, permanent damage is likely to occur. Therefore an emergency exploration of the scrotum is usually required as a diagnostic, as well as therapeutic measure.
During the surgery, a small cut will be made in the skin of the scrotum to expose the testicle. If testicular torsion is confirmed, the affected testicle is untwisted along the spermatic cord. The testicle is then stitched to the surrounding tissue and fixed in a position to prevent torsion from happening again. Due to an increased risk of torsion to the other testicle, fixation is usually done on both sides.
Ideally, the operation should be done as soon as possible to maximize the chance of testicular salvage. In some occasions, although the testicle might be deemed salvageable during scrotal exploration, the extent of irreversible damage might lead to shrinkage of the testicle over the course of time. In unusual cases where the diagnosis was delayed or when the operation was done too late, the unreservedly damaged testicle may need to be removed.
Although only one testicle is needed to produce normal amounts of sperm and testosterone, some studies have shown that up to a third of patients who had testicular torsion have a low sperm count. In addition to a reduction of sperm count, fertility might also be affected by the formation of anti-sperm antibodies. Most observational studies, however, revealed a fertility rate similar to that of the normal population.
Testicular torsion is a urological emergency. Although it is not considered “life-threatening”, it is “testicle-threatening”. If left untreated, the blood supply to the testicle will be cut off, leading to irreversible infarction of the testicle.
Only one working testicle is needed for normal fertility and male features. However, studies show that up to one-third of patients have a lower sperm count after testicular torsion. Most observational studies, however, revealed a fertility rate similar to that of the normal population.
Yes, although this is very rare. The exact cause is unknown, testicular torsion in newborns most often appears as a hard scrotal mass, with some darkening of the skin. Unfortunately, most of these testicles cannot be saved.
This article was independently written by Healthy Matters and is not sponsored. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.
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