Testicle problems
The most testicle trouble your average bloke faces in a lifetime is a bit of bruising from a miskicked football. Not always though. An unlucky few may suffer one of the rare - but highly uncomfortable - bollocking bad times below.
Scrotal hernia
- In a nutshell: A portion of intestine works its way into the scrotal sack.
- Crack it: An operation will be needed to restore order.
Spermatocoele
- In a nutshell: A cyst-like lump that can be felt on the epididymis (the ribbed 'zipper' you can feel running up the back of your nads).
- Crack it: Generally it's harmless and no treatment is required, but always get it checked out just to be on the safe side.
Torsion
- In a nutshell: A testicle gets twisted and cuts off its own blood supply. Often happens due to a knock or a kick, but also for no apparent reason and even during sleep! Symptoms include major pain, nausea and fainting. In short, guys, you'd know you were in trouble.
- Crack it: An emergency operation may be necessary to save the testicle. Surgeons may go on to sew surviving nads to the scrotal wall, to prevent disaster striking again.
Epididymitis
- In a nutshell: Bollocks feel like they're about to burst into flames, caused by a urinary tract infection or STD such as gonorrhoea. Other symptoms can include fever, groin tenderness, penis discharge.
- Crack it: See your GP for antibiotics. Also bedrest and careful application of towel-wrapped ice packs.
Varicocele
- In a nutshell: Varicose veins. One in 10 men are thought to be saddled with nads that look like something out of a horror movie. The distended veins you can see on the surface are caused by problems with the valve mechanism responsible for controlling blood flow.
- Crack it: Surgery may be necessary if it causes pain or is linked to infertility problems.
Hydrocele
- In a nutshell: Ball sack fills up with fluid, sometimes due to infection. In some cases, it may also be a sign of testicular tumour, so always get it checked by your GP.
- Crack it: Antibiotics or surgery. Alternatively, your doctor may take a needle to your nads and drain off the fluid.
Pain after sex
- In a nutshell: Muscle spasm that occurs after getting jiggy in a vigorous manner.
- Crack it: A warm bath should help ease the muscles. Take it easier in the sack next time.
Testicular Cancer
- In a nutshell: Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer among men aged 15-34, but also the most easily treatable if caught quick. Early signs include a swelling, lump, or dull ache in the scrotal area. Stomach or backache can also be a symptom, which may be a sign that the cancer is spreading.
- Crack it: Treatment is most effective if cancer is detected early. Removal of the affected testicle. Possible chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Sadly, only 3% of men regularly check their nads.
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