The testicles play a crucial part in the reproductive system. During puberty, the testicles drop from the cavity in the groin area and start to produce testosterone. Fertility relies on healthy testicles. The gonads, another name used to refer to testicles, are sensitive structures. Due to the sensitivity and important roles that the testicles play, pain in the area quickly makes a man feel concerned.
In a large number of cases, pain does not only affect the testicles but rather additional parts of the body too. One possible complaint would be, “I have pain in left testicle and left leg and lower back.” In this case, we need to look at the underlying factors contributing to these symptoms.
This article aims to help you determine possible reasons for pain symptoms that affect your testicles, as well as your back and leg. We will consider a number of potential reasons and discuss accompanying symptoms to look out for with each.
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Causes For Left Testicle, Leg, And Lower Back Pain
In cases where you suffer a direct blow to your testicles, the cause for the pain symptoms is more obvious. When you did not experience any injury, yet this type of pain symptoms develop, then things are more complicated. There are numerous underlying factors that can contribute to pain in the testicles that radiate 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.
Urinary Tract Infection
It is known that women are more prone to developing urinary tract infections. 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 urinary tract infection is generally caused by a buildup of bacteria in the urethra. This can cause swelling, as well as urination problems. The infection can result in pain symptoms in the groin area. Some men experience pain that moves toward other surrounding areas – such as the lower back and their legs.
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.
It is important to note that an infection in the urethra can spread to surrounding parts. In this case, the 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.
Symptoms that may signal prostatitis include:
- Fever or chills
- Consistent fatigue
- Urination difficulty
A prostate infection is also likely to cause pain symptoms at the perineum. This is the area that sits between the scrotum and the rectum. Pelvic pain is another common complaint among men affected by prostatitis.
If UTI symptoms are accompanied by pain in either side of your body, then it can be an indication of a kidney infection. In this case, you may also experience nausea, sometimes to the extent of vomiting.
Treatment
The most effective treatment for a urinary tract infection involves the use of antibiotics. These are medications formulated to help the body fight against bacterial infections more effectively. There are different antibiotics on the market.
Some antibiotics are stronger than others, and there are certain options made to target specific types of bacteria. Your doctor may need to perform a few tests to determine what the best antibiotic is for your case.
In addition to taking the antibiotics, it is important to ensure you obtain sufficient fluids. 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
There are certain types of spinal problems that 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.
Symptoms
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 the pain in the testicles, as well as your legs. In certain cases, only one leg may be affected, but there are many scenarios where a man finds both legs painful.
Other symptoms that you should look out for include:
- A weakness in both legs when you stand up. Sometimes the weakness develops during movement.
- 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 in a forward position helps to reduce the severity of the symptoms you experience. It is also important to consider the possibility of sciatica testicular pain when looking at spinal problems.
Treatment
The treatment depends on how severe the condition is. 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.
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 towards 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 at an early stage. As cancer develops, a lump usually starts to form 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 first needs to 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.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are another potential cause that you need to take into consideration. This condition involves mineral deposits, as well as 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 a number of symptoms, with pain being the most common complaint.
Symptoms
The most common symptom that people complain about when they have kidney stones is severe pain. The pain usually affects the side of the abdomen. The side that hurts usually 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. It is possible for the stones to grow in size. This makes it harder to pass the stones. Surgery is usually required in such a case.
A very small incision helps a doctor navigate towards the affected kidney. The surgeon uses a special tool to remove kidney stones. This helps with the lower back and groin pain male patients complain about.
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 are unable to provide efficient support for the surrounding structures in the pelvis.
Symptoms
It can be challenging to tell when you have a pelvic floor dysfunction. Due to the role the muscles play in urination and bowel movements, these are usually the best ways to tell. The muscles need to relax and contract appropriately when you urinate or have a bowel movement.
Among the male population, pelvic floor dysfunction can also possibly lead to erectile problems. You may find that you are unable to effectively retain your erection during sex.
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 that leaks 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, then a course of pain medication may be helpful. Many people find that relaxation techniques also help.
Epididymitis
Another condition that we should note here is epididymitis. This condition refers to swelling that develops in a tube that carries 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, then you may complain about right or left testicle pain.
Symptoms
Pain in the testicles is the main symptom of epididymitis. The pain can worsen when you urinate. In some cases, 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 the majority of cases are related to a bacterial infection, treatment usually consists of antibiotics. If there is a severe infection, a doctor may decide to drain the puss as well.
Pain In Left Testicle And Left Leg And Lower Back Treatment
There is no universal treatment that will work for every single case. 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 remaining consistent regardless of your position. Treatments differ based on the underlying causes behind the pain symptoms. For example, testicular nerve pain treatment will not be the same compared to a scenario where a patient has cancer in one of their testicles.
In some scenarios, such as with a dull pain in the left testicle and left leg, you may not necessarily need professional treatment. If the pain is very mild, consider taking an over-the-counter drug. Ibuprofen is a good choice for many people.
This non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug helps to reduce inflammation in the body. 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. Make sure you carefully follow the dosage instructions provided by the doctor or pharmacist, however. Taking too much of these drugs can be harmful.
In cases where there is a more serious underlying cause, you will require medical treatment from a doctor. There are also certain tests that need to be done to accurately diagnose a medical condition that causes 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, however. Imaging tests can help provide a doctor with a better view of structural problems causing the pain symptoms.
When You Should See Your Doctor
If you have lower back and testicle pain, it is generally a good idea to call your doctor. There are, however, cases where the pain in my left testicle and left leg go away on its own. In these cases, the issue is usually minor and does not require treatment. A dull ache in the testicle no lump 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 out for additional symptoms, apart from testicular pain. If you develop a fever or chills, then 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
Additionally, take note of how long the pain lasts. If pain in the right testicle and right leg, and lower back, or perhaps the left side of your body, do 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. In such a scenario, the pain will not go away until the underlying problem is treated.
FAQs
Why does my left testicle and thigh hurt?
Pain in the testicles is concerning, especially when accompanied by pain in other areas. Unfortunately, finding the reason for the pain symptoms is usually not an easy task. There are multiple conditions and problems that can result in lower back pain and testicle pain. It is important to consider accompanying symptoms.
This can help you get a better indication of the potential cause behind the lower back pain left side and left testicle. Possible causes include kidney stones, spinal problems, nerve-related issues, infections, and even cancer. Due to the wide variety of factors that can cause these symptoms, consider speaking to a doctor.
A physical examination usually helps a patient get more clarity about an underlying condition, as well as how severe the problem is.
Can sciatica cause left testicle pain?
Sciatica is a relatively common condition where the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or pinched. This causes pain that radiates from your back down to your leg. In most cases, the pain only radiates toward one side of the body. Thus, it’s common for men to ask whether sciatica is the reason for only one testicle to pain.
There is a possibility that sciatica is the cause of testicle pain. This is usually the case when there is L1 spinal nerve compression. The pain radiates from the area where the sciatic nerve runs. In this case, you may find yourself with testicular pain radiating down the leg. The pain symptoms will start at the lower back, however, and not at the testicles.
Can a pinched nerve cause testicle pain?
Yes, it is possible for a pinched nerve to cause a man to experience testicle pain. It does depend on the specific nerve that is pinched. Carefully consider your symptoms, however. A pinched nerve is not likely to be the problem with left testicle pain and left abdominal pain.
The same applies to a situation where you have right testicle pain and lower abdomen pain. If the pain affects your lower back and testicle, then this is a possibility to consider. A compression between T10 and L2 in the spine can result in pain that radiates toward your testicles. In some cases, spinal compression at L1 can also cause this type of pain symptoms.
Why does the left side of my back and leg hurt?
Sciatica is one of the most common causes of these two symptoms. The sciatic nerve runs through the bag down toward both legs. It branches in the groin area. If the spine pinches a part of the sciatic nerve, then the pain usually starts at the area of the lower back. The pain can start to spread down to the areas where the sciatic nerve runs.
Take note that pain in the left side of your body is not always related to sciatica. Make sure you consider all of your symptoms. This will help you narrow down to possible causes – and determine whether you have an urgent case on your hands.
