Causes and Treatments of Testicular Swelling

I. Causes of Feeling Testicles Enlarged

Feeling the enlargement of the testicles may be caused by testicular swelling, a disease affecting the testes and typically resulting from bacterial infections or varicocele. This condition is often inflammatory and accompanied by pain. Abnormalities of the testicles commonly include:

• Testicular Absence: If diagnosed, treatment mainly involves reasonable and timely supplementation of androgenic hormones to promote better development of the external genitalia. However, premature use of androgenic hormones can cause epiphyseal closure, affecting physical development. Regular measurement of testosterone levels during treatment is recommended to adjust the dosage.
• Congenital Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome: Treatment focuses on supplementing insufficient androgenic hormones.
• Orchitis: Treatment involves the use of antibiotics and related symptomatic treatments based on the type of disease.

The testicles are the primary male reproductive organs, responsible for producing sperm that combines with the egg to form a new individual, ensuring the continuation of the human race. Additionally, they secrete androgenic hormones, stimulating sperm production and the development of male accessory sexual organs and secondary sexual characteristics. Therefore, both congenital and acquired testicular abnormalities can lead to infertility.

II. Causes of Testicular Swelling

• Bacterial Infection: Unilateral testicular swelling and congestion often result from descending infections originating from the prostate. Long-term catheter placement, urethroscopy, or the spread of epididymitis can lead to unilateral testicular swelling and congestion.
• Varicocele: Unilateral testicular swelling and congestion due to varicocele are caused by the dysfunction of the internal spermatic vein valves, leading to vascular dilation. This condition is more common on the left side and may be accompanied by male infertility. High ligation of the veins can improve semen quality in 70% of patients.
• Parasitic Infection: The most common parasitic infection causing unilateral testicular swelling and congestion is filariasis, which primarily causes lymphatic vessel obstruction. It can be difficult to distinguish from vascular obstruction. Filarial orchitis is often unilateral and may be accompanied by hydrocele and thickening of the tunica vaginalis.
• Testicular Trauma: Various traumas to the perineum can affect the testicles, resulting in unilateral testicular swelling and congestion.
• Viral Infection: Mumps-induced orchitis accounts for approximately 20% of viral orchitis cases. It typically occurs seven days after the onset of mumps and occasionally presents as unilateral testicular swelling and congestion without symptoms of mumps. Other viruses, such as Coxsackie virus and FI3 virus, can also cause similar symptoms and may be accompanied by mononucleosis.
• Testicular Torsion: Unilateral testicular swelling and congestion can occur in any age group but is more common in young adults and children. It occurs when the long spermatic mesentery is twisted due to excessive activity, leading to obstruction of blood supply and subsequent venous dilation. This condition can cause severe pain in the testicles.

It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment if you experience any symptoms related to testicular enlargement or swelling.