The testicles, which are responsible for both testosterone production and sperm synthesis, hang outside of the body in the scrotum because they must remain a few degrees cooler than normal body temperature. As a result, they are susceptible to environmental and physical insults, especially when you are moving and moving quickly. Pain in the right or left testicle while running can stem from a variety of sources ranging from not-so-serious to extremely serious.
Interrupted Blood Supply
Interruption of the blood supply to the right testicle rapidly leads to serious pain. As Dr. Ian Banks explains, testicular torsion results when the right testicle twists around on its spermatic cord, rather like an object suspended from a rope, cutting off the testicle's blood supply. The sudden onset of pain is accompanied by swelling, and testicular torsion is considered a surgical emergency. If this happens to you, stop running and seek treatment immediately; if treatment is delayed, your testicle may become gangrenous and need to be removed. An abdominal hernia may also interrupt blood supply to the right testicle when a portion of bowel pushes its way into the scrotum; this is also corrected by surgery.
Mechanical Damage
Running is not a contact sport in the classic sense, but the repetitive motion of your legs can expose your testicles to several types of pain and injury. An ill-fitting pair of shorts can cause chafing of the scrotum and soreness of one or both testes, while a misstep with the right leg on uneven ground can result in a momentary "squashing" of the right testicle. Use petroleum jelly or body glide to minimize friction and wear properly fitting and supportive shorts or tights to prevent these things from happening.
Epididymitis
Inflammation of structures near the right testicle can manifest as pain there. For example, epididymitis, which is common in men between the ages of 20 and 40, is an inflammation of the tube connected to the back of the testicle. The most common cause is a sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. Besides right testicular pain made worsened by running, symptoms include scrotal swelling, bloody or urethral discharge, and pain on urination. Treatment depends on the cause; if it's an STD, you'll be prescribed antibiotics. In any case, you can count on a few days off from running.
Prostate Disorders
Pain resulting from prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate, or prostate cancer may be felt in the right testicle. According to the Mayo Clinic, prostatitis is usually the result of bacterial infection; pain or burning on urinating or ejaculating, cloudy or bloody urine, and urethral discharge are some of its most common symptoms, especially in the presence of general signs of infection such as fever and chills. Prostate cancer, one of the most common malignancies in men older than 50, presents in much the same way. If you have pain in your right testicle along with these symptoms, stop running and see a doctor immediately.
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