A sudden change in testicle size can be a concerning development that warrants prompt attention. While slight differences in testicular size are common and usually harmless, a noticeable and sudden enlargement of one testicle is not typical. Understanding potential causes and accompanying symptoms can help determine the appropriate course of action.
Normal Testicular Size and When Changes Matter
Testicles commonly vary slightly in size and position. Often, one testicle, typically the left, may hang a bit lower or appear marginally larger than the other due to anatomical variations. This natural asymmetry is generally not a health concern. Adult testicles average 2 to 3 inches in length and 1 inch in width, and a small size difference (around half a teaspoon) is considered normal. However, a sudden and significant increase in one testicle’s size, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, deviates from this normal variation. Any acute change in scrotal size, shape, or sensation should be investigated by a medical professional, particularly if the change occurs rapidly, as it can indicate an underlying condition requiring timely medical evaluation.
Potential Reasons for Sudden Enlargement
A sudden testicle enlargement can stem from various medical conditions, each with distinct characteristics.
Testicular torsion
Testicular torsion is a medical emergency involving the twisting of the spermatic cord, cutting off blood supply to the testicle. This leads to sudden, severe pain, swelling, and often an elevated testicle. Most common in adolescents aged 12-18, it requires immediate surgical intervention to save the testicle.
Epididymitis and orchitis
Epididymitis and orchitis involve inflammation or infection. Epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis, a coiled tube behind the testicle that stores and transports sperm. Orchitis is inflammation of the testicle itself. These conditions often result from bacterial infections, including sexually transmitted infections, or viral infections like mumps, causing rapid swelling, pain, and redness.
Hydrocele
A hydrocele is a fluid collection around the testicle within the scrotum, leading to swelling. While often painless and common in infants, they can develop suddenly in adults following injury, inflammation, or infection. This fluid buildup can cause a feeling of heaviness and noticeable scrotal enlargement.
Inguinal hernia
An inguinal hernia occurs when intestine or fatty tissue from the abdomen protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall into the groin or scrotum. This can manifest as a sudden scrotal bulge or swelling, especially when coughing, straining, or lifting. The swelling may increase under abdominal pressure and can sometimes be pushed back into the abdomen.
Trauma
Trauma to the testicles, such as a direct impact, can cause sudden swelling, pain, and bruising. The swelling’s severity depends on the injury’s extent, which can range from a minor contusion to a more severe rupture. Any significant scrotal trauma should be medically evaluated.
Conditions like varicocele or testicular cancer
Conditions like varicocele or testicular cancer typically cause gradual changes, not sudden enlargement. While a medical professional considers all possibilities, sudden swelling often points to the conditions above.
Key Symptoms to Watch For
When a testicle suddenly enlarges, accompanying symptoms can provide important clues about the underlying cause and its urgency. Recognizing these signs helps in seeking timely medical attention.
Pain is a common symptom, though its character can vary. Testicular torsion often presents with sudden, severe pain that may radiate to the groin or abdomen, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. In contrast, epididymitis or orchitis might cause a more gradual onset of pain that intensifies over time, along with tenderness in the affected area.
Visible changes like scrotal redness or warmth can indicate inflammation or infection, commonly seen with epididymitis or orchitis. A fever and chills further suggest the presence of an infection. Nausea and vomiting are frequently associated with severe pain, particularly in testicular torsion or significant trauma.
Changes in testicle texture, such as increased hardness, tenderness, or a new lump, are important. A hydrocele might feel like a fluid-filled sac, while an incarcerated hernia could present as a firm, irreducible bulge. Urinary symptoms, like painful urination or discharge from the penis, might also be present if infection causes the swelling.
Seeking Professional Medical Help
A sudden testicle enlargement always warrants medical evaluation, and prompt consultation with a healthcare provider is important to determine the cause and initiate appropriate management. Delaying care for certain conditions, such as testicular torsion, can lead to irreversible damage. Seek emergency medical care if sudden enlargement is accompanied by severe pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever. During a medical visit, the healthcare provider will conduct a physical examination, inquire about symptoms, and may order diagnostic tests. An ultrasound, for example, is commonly used to assess blood flow to the testicle and identify fluid collections or other abnormalities. Only a medical professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the necessary steps, as self-diagnosis or delaying professional medical advice can result in complications.