Testicular pain can be excruciating due to the sensitivity of these organs. The pain can start in the testicles themselves or can radiate from the groin or abdomen area to one or both testicles, according to the Mayo Clinic. As a result, it is not always easy to isolate the cause of testicular pain. Causes that can be exacerbated during exercise include infection, varicocele and hydrocele or injury. If you get persistent testicular pain during exercise, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Varicocele and Hydrocele
Testicular pain during exercise could be caused by a varicocele or a hydrocele. A Varicocele is an enlarged vein or collection of enlarged veins in the testicles. The pain is described by Netdoctor.com as a dragging, aching sensation and it can be treated with minor surgery to remove the swollen or varicose veins. A hydrocele is a fluid filled sac that can occur as a result of injury to the testicles. They are treated by draining the sac and removing the left overs of it surgically. Pain can be exacerbated by exercise, so the use of a jockstrap or other supportive underwear is probably a good idea.
Injury
Physical injury to the testicles is not uncommon in contact sports, especially when no protective equipment is worn. This can cause pain and aching during exercise or any other physical activity while any bruising heals. The spongy nature of testicles means that for the most part, shock can be absorbed, but direct blows, where the testicles are crushed against the bony surface of the pelvis, can lead to testicular rupture. This can lead to bleeding into the scrotum and should be seen to by a medical professional as soon as possible. This type of injury may require surgery to save the testicles, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Infection
If you rush to the gym without first emptying your bladder and do exercises like weight training which cause you to strain, you could cause an infection in the testis themselves called epididymitis according to Bodybuilding.com. This is because urine can be forced backwards down tubes called the vas deferens, which ordinarily carry sperm out of the testes. If there is any bacteria in the urine, painful epididymitis can be the result, leading to extreme swelling if not taken care of by a doctor. Pain and swelling can get progressively worse unless they are treated. The infection can be treated with antibiotics.
Considerations
Testicular pain is unlikely to be caused by cancer. The symptom most indicative of testicular cancer is a painless lump in the testicles, according to Netdoctor.com. The most common causes of testicular pain are relatively easy to treat, so you should always consult your doctor if you have persistent testicular pain or pain in your testicles during or after exercise. Regularly check your testicles for any unusual lumps or bumps and report anything worrying to your doctor as soon as possible.
