Experiencing excruciating pain in your testicles and lower back will make you think something might be terribly wrong. And you will definitely start to pick up random guesses. Due to the sensitivity and important roles that the testicles play, pain in the area quickly makes a man feel concerned.
And it’s normal to ask the question, why is there pain in my left testicle, left leg, and lower back?
The possible causes of pain in the left testicle, left leg, and lower back includes muscle strain, spinal problems, urinary tract infection (UTI), sexually transmitted infection, pelvic floor dysfunction, pinched nerve, testicular cancer, kidney stones, and epididymitis. If the pain doesn’t resolve quickly by itself, it is necessary to see a doctor to avoid complications later in life.
This article aims to help you determine possible reasons for pain that affect your testicles, as well as your back and leg. We will consider many potential reasons and discuss accompanying symptoms to look out for with each.
Table of Content
Why Are You Experiencing Pain in the Left Testicle, Left Leg And Lower Back?
In cases where you suffer a direct blow to your testicles, the cause of your pain is probably obvious. If you are experiencing this type of pain without any preceding injury, things are a bit more complicated.
Numerous underlying factors can contribute to pain in the testicles that radiates toward the lower back and your leg.
In this section, we take a closer look at some of the underlying factors that can contribute to these symptoms.
Here are some of the major causes of testicular pain (particularly left), left leg, and lower back!
Urinary Tract Infection
It is known that women are more prone to developing urinary tract infections than men are. This, however, does not mean the condition does not affect men. The prevalence of a urinary tract infection in men is very low, especially under the age of 50. Still, it is important to consider the possibility.
A buildup of bacteria in the urethra is what causes a urinary tract infection. This can cause swelling, as well as urination problems. The infection can result in pain in the groin area as well as pain while urinating. Some men experience pain moving toward other surrounding areas, such as the legs and the lower back.
Symptoms
Some of the symptoms that may develop if you have a urinary tract infection include:
- A frequent urge to urinate. Urinary urgency can also develop. This refers to suddenly feeling that you have to empty the bladder.
- Blood can sometimes be present in urine.
- You will likely experience a burning sensation when you urinate. Some men also complain about pain during urination.
Treatment
Treatment for a urinary tract infection involves using antibiotics. These are medications formulated to kill bacteria that are causing an infection in the body.
There are different antibiotics on the market. Some antibiotics are stronger than others, and certain options are made to target specific types of bacteria. Your doctor may need to perform a few tests to determine the best antibiotic for your case.
In addition to taking antibiotics, it is important to ensure you drink a sufficient amount of fluid. While urination may feel painful, it is important to note that when you urinate, some of the bacteria are flushed out of the urethra.
Spinal Problems
Certain types of spinal problems can also possibly contribute to these symptoms. An important issue to take into consideration here is lumbar spondylolisthesis. This condition refers to a scenario where vertebrae in the lumbar region go out of alignment.
There are multiple causes behind lumbar spondylolisthesis. In many cases, an injury to the spine is the cause. Wear and tear over the years can also contribute to this condition.
Lower back pain is the most common symptom that people complain about when they develop lumbar spondylolisthesis. This, however, is not the only symptom. Sometimes, the pain starts to radiate down toward the groin area. In this case, you may feel pain in the testicles and your legs. In certain cases, only one leg may be affected, but there are many scenarios where a man finds both legs painful.
Symptoms
Other symptoms that you should look out for include the following:
- A weakness in both legs when you stand up. Sometimes the weakness develops during movement.
- The tenderness that affects the lower back region. This is often accompanied by stiffness.
- Some men experience a tingling sensation in their back and legs.
You may find that leaning forward helps reduce the severity of the symptoms you experience.
Treatment
Doctors usually refer the patient for physical therapy. This type of treatment helps to strengthen the muscles in the lower back. In addition to physical therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs can also be helpful. These drugs help to reduce inflammation in the lower back. The drugs also provide relief of the pain symptoms.
In severe cases, a doctor can choose to provide the patient with a steroid injection. When these treatments do not work, the doctor may suggest a surgical procedure to correct the alignment of the lumbar spine.
Epididymitis
Another condition that we should note here is epididymitis. This condition refers to swelling that develops in the tubes within the scrotum that carry sperm. The tube is located at the back of the testicles.
Bacterial infections are usually the cause of the condition. If only one side is affected, you may notice only right or left testicle pain.
Symptoms
Following are the symptoms to look out for epididymitis;
- Pain in the testicles is the main symptom of epididymitis.
- The pain can worsen when you urinate.
- Sometimes, you may experience a discharge at the tip of your penis.
- Men with this condition also usually experience pain when they ejaculate.
- The pain can spread to surrounding areas, especially in cases where the infection is severe.
Treatment
Since most cases are related to a bacterial infection, treatment usually consists of antibiotics.
Prostatitis
It is important to note that an infection in the urethra can spread to surrounding parts. In this case, infectious bacteria can invade the kidneys or the prostate. In cases where the bacteria move to the prostate, you are at risk of developing prostatitis.
A prostate infection is also likely to cause pain symptoms at the perineum. This is the area that sits between the scrotum and the anus. Pelvic pain is another common complaint among men affected by prostatitis.
Symptoms
Symptoms that may signal prostatitis include:
- Fever or chills
- Persistent fatigue
- Difficulty urinating
Treatment
Prostatitis, whether acute or chronic, can be treated by antibiotics. In the case of acute prostatitis, intravenous (IV) antibiotics are given to some patients.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are another potential cause that you need to take into consideration. This condition involves mineral deposits and salt acids that stick together in the kidneys.
The deposits start to form small stones. Concentrated urine also forms part of the stones. These stones can cause many symptoms, with pain being the most common complaint.
Symptoms
Following are the symptoms that you can look out for in case of kidney stones;
- Severe pain usually affects the side of the abdomen.
- The side that usually hurts signals which kidney is affected by the stones.
- In addition to the side, you may also experience back and testicular pain.
- In addition to the pain, nausea is also a very common symptom.
- There are cases where nausea becomes severe enough to cause vomiting.
- If some of the stones pass during urination, you may experience severe pain in the groin region. This pain occurs as the stone moves through the urethra. The pain can radiate toward close regions. This includes the testicles and lower back.
Treatment
There are many cases where people pass kidney stones during urination. This means additional treatment is not necessary. However, the stones can grow in size. This makes it harder to pass the stones. A procedure called lithotripsy may be used in such cases.
Lithotripsy uses a special tool that uses shock waves to help break up the kidney stones. These smaller stones can then be passed more easily.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
The muscles in the pelvic floor play a role in bowel movements, as well as urination. This group of muscles needs to relax and contract at specific times. Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to a weakening of these muscles. In this case, the muscles cannot provide efficient support for the surrounding structures in the pelvis.
Among the male population, pelvic floor dysfunction can also possibly lead to erectile problems. You may find that you cannot effectively maintain your erection during sex.
Symptoms
Other symptoms that you should also take note of:
- Inability to completely empty the bladder or have a full bowel movement in one session.
- Urine leakage throughout the day. Some people also experience leaking of stool.
- A common complaint is having to force urine out. This usually only accounts for when you want to initiate urination.
- Constipation is also a possible symptom.
- Apart from these symptoms, some men experience pain. The pain will usually affect your lower back. Pain in the testicles, groin region, and upper legs is also possible.
Treatment
There are different treatment options available. Many people prefer to start the treatment process with Kegel exercises. Biofeedback is also a common treatment option. There are certain medications that doctors may prescribe. If you experience pain, a course of pain medication may be helpful. Many people find that relaxation techniques also help.
Testicular Torsion
Testicular torsion, or more commonly testicular twisting, is a condition where your testicles get twisted badly and can cause dull to severe aches in your scrotum and inner thigh.
Symptoms
- Dizziness
- Diffuse swelling
- Change in color and size of the scrotum
- Vomiting
- Dull to severe pain in the scrotum
- Nausea
Treatment
Surgery is required to treat testicular torsion.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers among the male population. When you develop testicular cancer, pain symptoms can be felt in the testicles. Sometimes, the pain starts to radiate toward other parts of the body. This usually results in lower back pain.
It is also possible for the pain to radiate toward your legs. If you have cancer in the left testicle, for example, the pain may radiate down your left leg.
Symptoms
It is important to note that testicular cancer does not always produce symptoms, especially early. As cancer develops, a lump usually forms on the affected testicle. This is often the first sign that men notice. Some men complain about pain in the left testicle and lower back – in this case, the left testicle is affected by cancer.
In cases where cancer causes symptoms, the patient may experience the following:
- Pain in the affected testicle, as well as the lower back region.
- Swelling of the lymph nodes located in the groin.
- Persistent fatigue.
- Unexplained weight loss.
Treatment
Before prescribing a treatment, a doctor must perform a few tests. This helps the doctor determine the stage of testicular cancer. It also ensures the doctor can determine if the cancer is localized and whether there is a risk of spreading.
A common treatment plan involves a combination of radiation and chemotherapy. Some people also respond well to hormone therapy. At a later stage, the doctor may recommend surgery as a treatment. This may involve partial or complete removal of the testicle affected by cancer.
Is Left Testicular Pain Different From Right Testicular Pain?
Generally, left testicular pain is no different than right testicular pain. However, some of the causes may vary, but in general, both sides’ pain seems similar.
One difference between the two testicles is their morphology: the right testicle is slightly bigger and held downwards than the left testicle.
Left Testicular Pain In Different Circumstances
As stated above, left testicular pain can result from various underlying health issues such as UTI, prostatitis, kidney stones, pelvic floor dysfunction, epididymitis, etc. This pain can be extremely irritating and annoying, leading to extreme distress and discomfort near your scrotum region.
However, your testicular pain might also worsen in different circumstances, such as walking, running, etc. So let’s have a look at that.
Why Does My Left Testicle Hurt When I Walk?
A sudden injury or a testicular torsion might be the reason behind your testicular pain while walking.
Why Does My Left Testicle Hurt When I Run?
Pelvic floor dysfunction or varicocele might be the reason behind your left testicular pain while running.
Why Does My Left Testicle Hurt When I Touch It?
Testicular torsion, epididymitis, or any other traumatic injury might be the reason behind your testicular pain whenever you touch it.
Should You be Worried About Testicular Pain?
Yes! Testicular pain is something that shouldn’t be neglected and must be looked into as soon as possible. It can lead to serious health consequences, so it is best to consult your doctor immediately to avoid complications.
Is Testicular Pain A Sign of Cancer?
Yes! Testicular pain can be a sign of cancer. Testicular cancer is often treatable, especially if it is diagnosed early. However, if ignored, the cancer can progress and then be fatal.
To distinguish less severe causes of testicular pain from testicular pain due to testicular cancer, you can look out for the following symptoms;
- Painless or painful lumps
- Scrotum feels heavy
- Dull to severe ache in the groin region
- Pain radiating to the inner thigh
- Fluid accumulation in the scrotum
These are some typical manifestations associated with testicular cancer, and you should immediately seek medical attention if you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms accompanying testicular pain. However, please don’t panic, as many of these symptoms can also be associated with different causes of testicular pain. The important thing is to see a doctor, who can do the proper tests to determine the correct diagnosis.
Is Left Testicular Pain A Sign of Infertility?
Left testicular pain does not necessarily indicate infertility, but it can indicate medical conditions that may cause or be related to infertility. For instance, testicular torsion or twisting can interfere with blood flow to the testicle, leading to testicular death, which in turn can lead to infertility.
Is Left Testicular Pain A Sign of HIV?
No! Left testicular pain isn’t a sign of HIV. However, testes can be infected early during the course of HIV infection. But testicular pain is not usually a symptom of HIV.
Home Treatment For Testicular Pain
Although it is not wise to do home treatment for testicular pain, the pain may be an indication of a serious health issue. But you can do the following to relieve your testicular pain at home;
- Apply ice packs to the affected area.
- You can place a rolled towel under your scrotum while lying down.
- Wearing an athletic supporter can be helpful.
- Warm baths are recommended to relieve the pain.
- Non-prescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, can help relieve the pain.
Treatment For Testicular Pain
There is no universal treatment that will work for every single case of testicular pain. This is why it is important to consider each symptom you experience. It is also important to note when the pain is more severe. For example, some men may complain about lower back and testicle pain when sitting down.
This is different from symptoms that remain consistent regardless of your position. Treatments differ based on the underlying causes behind the pain symptoms.
For example, the treatment of nerve-related testicular pain will not be the same as the treatment for pain caused by cancer in one of his testicles.
- In some scenarios, such as dull pain in the left testicle and left leg, you may not necessarily need emergent treatment. If medical emergencies requiring specific treatments have been ruled out, medications such as ibuprofen may be very helpful, as long as you don’t have any contraindications to taking it.
- Many of the underlying causes behind these pain symptoms have some relation to inflammation. By reducing inflammation, you may find that the symptoms start to improve.
- However, ensure you carefully follow the dosage instructions provided by the doctor or pharmacist. Taking too many of these drugs can be harmful.
- In cases with a more serious underlying cause, you will require medical treatment prescribed by a doctor.
- Certain tests need to be done to accurately diagnose many medical conditions that cause pain in your testicles. This may include blood tests to see if there are infections.
- A urine test is sometimes used to test for a urinary tract infection or sexually transmitted infections.
- Imaging tests can help provide a doctor with a better view of structural problems causing the pain symptoms.
When To See A Doctor?
If you have lower back and testicle pain, it is generally a good idea to call your doctor or seek emergent medical care. There are situations in which the pain in the left testicle and left leg go away on their own. The issue is usually minor in these cases and does not require treatment. However, these symptoms can also reflect something very serious.
A dull ache in the testicle without any masses does not necessarily mean you should be concerned – but it is still important to understand when it is time to see your doctor.
It is especially important to look for additional symptoms apart from testicular pain. If you develop a fever or chills, it is definitely a sign to contact a doctor. Other symptoms include:
- Pain in the lower abdominal area or groin that is severe
- Severe pain in the back or sides that accompany the testicular pain
- Urinating is difficult or painful
- Blood appears in your urine
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain is severe or worsening rapidly
Additionally, take note of how long the pain lasts. If pain in the right testicle, right leg, lower back, or perhaps the left side of your body does not go away within a few days, consult a doctor. There are several cases where a patient has an underlying condition that causes these symptoms. The pain will not go away in such a scenario until the underlying problem is treated.
FAQs
What does a warm testicle indicate?
A warm testicle is usually a sign of inflammation or an epididymitis infection, which can lead to extreme testicular pain.
Is it normal to have one testicle hanging lower than the other?
Yes! It is completely normal to have one testicle hanging lower than the other, and it is usually the right testicle, which is slightly larger than the left one and hangs slightly lower than it.
Is testicular torsion genetic?
There are some genetic conditions that make testicular torsion more likely. However, not everyone with these genetics will experience testicular torsion, and not every person with testicular torsion has a genetic abnormality. .
Conclusion
So now, you know the pre primary cause of pain in the left testicle, left leg and lower back and we hope we have covered all your questions!
Remember that there can be multiple causes behind pain in your testicles, and this is a symptom that shouldn’t be ignored. However, if neglected, those conditions can worsen and can have very serious consequences or even be fatal.
So don’t forget to have regular medical checkups and consult your doctor if you have such issues. Stay safe!
