The genital organs in men and boys are present outside their bodies, in between the thighs. There are many conditions and discomfort that can occur due to multiple reasons in the region of testicles and sometimes that pain may also radiate towards the thighs and legs.
People who complain about pain in the testicle and leg often misunderstood mild pain with severe complications. The main reason is a lack of knowledge and awareness. A little discomfort of the genital organs can indeed lead to severe complications but, that doesn’t mean that every mild pain in the leg of the testis is an indication of something hazardous.
Varicocele is a condition in which a vein in the testicle gets enlarged. The varicocele appears bulgy under the skin of the scrotum similar to the varicose vein in the legs. It is reported that almost 15 % of the males suffer from varicocele.
Let’s discuss in detail that, what are the possible reasons behind the pain in the legs, thighs, tests, etc? Which of the conditions are the cases of any medical emergency and how the conditions should be tackled? What are the reasons behind the pain and what are the available treatments accordingly?
If you are searching for any of the above-mentioned queries then do give it a read till the end to get all your ambiguities cleared. So, let’s dig in together.
Table of Content
Pain in Testicle and Leg
Several diseases are associated with pain in the testicle and leg. Sometimes the pain is only felt in one leg and sometimes the pain is present in both legs. Few conditions also cause discomfort specifically in the testicle and the thighs.
Depending upon the condition and the type of disease the area of pain may vary. You need to figure out the region where you are feeling the pain. There are multiple factors and causes behind such pain and discomfort.
In case of any discomfort, try to figure out the condition and look for the possible reasons behind it. If the pain is prolonged and out of control then consult with a doctor to seek medical help immediately without any delay.
It is advised that even if you feel a mild pain around the testicles or the leg or the thigh region around it, do not neglect it at any cost because, a testicle is the genital organs are the sensitive region of the body and need due treatment if required in the case, without any unnecessary delay.
Pain in Testicle and Leg: Possible Reasons
Several diseases could be the reason for pain in the testicle and leg. Among the different ailments that can be the reason for pain in the testicle and leg, a few of them are listed below:
Epididymitis
It is a condition that results in the swelling of the epididymis. The epididymis is a duct where sperms get matures and then it stores and transports the sperms from the testicles to the vas deferens.
The pain of epididymitis primarily occurs in the testicles and the scrotum and it can also radiate towards other parts as well including the groin and lower backside. The prominent causes of epididymitis are sexually transmitted infections.
Varicoceles
Varicocele is a condition in which a vein in the testicle gets enlarged. The varicocele appears bulgy under the skin of the scrotum similar to the varicose vein in the legs. It is reported that almost 15 % of the males suffer from varicocele.
Usually, it appears in the left testicle, the reason behind this is because veins on the left hang lower. The valves in the vein face difficulty in pushing the blood up into the body due to its position.
The development of tumor cells in the testicles results in testicular cancer. It could be benign or malignant. Even if cancer spread out to other regions in the body it would still be called testicular cancer.
Spermatocele
The presence of a fluid-filled sac or cyst in the tube present on the upper part of the testicle is the condition that is known as Spermatocele. The cyst or the Spermatocele can occur on either of the testicles.
If the cyst is small, it may not present any symptoms and not even cause any pain. But, if the size of the cyst increases then it may feel heavy and will also induce pain.
Testicular Torsion
Testicular torsion is a medical emergency that is accompanied by severe and sudden pain and swelling. If anyone encounters such a condition then it is necessary to treat the patient accurately within six hours because if delayed more than that, can result in the loss of the affected testicle.
The phenomenon behind the condition is that the spermatic cord in the testicle gets twisted that resulting in the cutting off of the blood supply there. The testicular torsion usually occurs in only one testicle and the left testicle is mostly get affected.
Orchitis
The pain due to orchitis starts with pain in the left or right testicle that spread throughout the scrotum. Orchitis is the inflammation of the testicle mostly induced by any bacterial or viral infection. Along with the pain, the scrotum may also get swelled and turn warm.
Reports confirm that the mumps virus is the most common cause of orchitis. The other causes of orchitis include sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea.
Injury
Testicles are at risk of injury; more specifically the left testicle is more vulnerable to injury because it hangs lower than the right testicle. The injury could be due to multiple reasons like accidents, fights, sports, etc. Depending upon the extent of the injury, treatment may vary from case to case.
Hydrocele
A thin layer of tissue is present inside the scrotum that surrounds each testicle. If the sheath gets filled with blood or fluid then the condition is known as hydrocele. Due to hydrocele a person may or may not feel any pain but it results in swelling of the scrotum.
Either one or sometimes around both testicles the hydrocele may develop and it is more common in infants.
Testicular Cancer
The development of tumor cells in the testicles results in testicular cancer. It could be benign or malignant. Even if cancer spread out to other regions in the body it would still be called testicular cancer. The reasons for testicular cancer in males are still unknown.
Many diseases account for pain in the testicle and leg but if the pain is also in the lower back region then the most prominent causes include nerve compressions or nerve damage.
There are some risk factors associated with testicular cancer like family history of testicular cancer, etc. There is a possibility that a person with no risk factor can also get testicular cancer. Usually, a swelling or lump is formed in the scrotum.
In the start, the patient may not feel any pain but on self-examination, the lump is sometimes clearly visualized. Later on, the condition gets serious accompanied by mild to severe pain and further complexities.
Sharp Stabbing Pain in Testicle
If someone complains of sharp stabbing pain in the testicle then mostly the reason behind it is the condition known as “Testicular Torsion”. As mentioned earlier, testicular torsion is caused due to the twisting of the spermatic cord in the testicle. The twisting results in the cutting off of the blood supply to the testicle.
It is a medical emergency and the patient needs immediate treatment. It is said that if the person does not get due treatment within six hours then the delay can result in the loss of the affected testicle. Usually, testicular torsion occurs in adolescents but it can occur in men of all ages.
Testicle Pain and Leg Numbness
If anyone is experiencing testicle pain and leg numbness then it might be an alarming sign. Usually, testicle pain and leg numbness are associated with compression or complete nerve damage. The patient first encounters distress in the legs, specifically in the thighs, and also in the region or lower back.
Later on, the pain continues towards the testicle, and depending upon the complexity of the case severe to mild discomfort is experienced by different patients.
The spinal nerve compressions that are associated with such cases are of different types including:
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Facet joint osteoarthritis
- Herniated disc
- Groin nerve irritation
- Meralgia paresthetica (Thigh nerve issue)
In such cases, the most important thing is that the patient should not ignore the condition and should consult with the doctor as early as possible. While addressing the doctor, keep in mind that do not hesitate or hind anything and always give a detailed and proper history.
Pain in Left Testicle and Left Leg and Lower Back
According to normal anatomy, the left testicle hangs lower than the right testicle and is more prone to pathologies. The pain in the left testicle and left leg and lower back pain can be associated with multiple reasons.
Many diseases account for pain in the testicle and leg but if the pain is also in the lower back region then the most prominent causes include nerve compressions or nerve damage. But, only based on pain the disease cannot be diagnosed properly.
Several other factors also need to be checked and examined accordingly.
Pain in Right Testicle and Right Leg and Lower Back
As compared to the left testicle, the right testicle is less vulnerable to many diseases. But if a person complains of pain in the right testicle and right leg and lower pain then the possible reasons for this may include epididymitis, hydrocele, Spermatocele, testicular cancer, etc.
Sometimes due to any nerve damage or nerve compression, a person may encounter severe pain in the lower back and the leg and testicle.
Nerve Pain in Testicle and Leg
The spinal nerve compressions that are associated with the case that presents pain in the testicle and leg are of different types including:
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Facet joint osteoarthritis
- Herniated disc
- Groin nerve irritation
- Meralgia paresthetica (Thigh nerve issue)
Depending upon the case the doctor will examine the case and will start the treatment accordingly. In case if anyone feels nerve pain in the testicle and leg, they should immediately consult with the doctor to get a proper checkup and relevant treatment.
Testicular Pain Treatment
Depending upon the intensity of the case, testicular pain treatment may vary from patient to patient. Some practices can be adapted to reduce mild testicular pain at home. Those include:
- Warm baths
- Use of ice to reduce the swelling of the scrotum
- Over-the-counter pain medications to reduce pain
If the pain is severe then without any delay you should consult with a doctor and get proper treatment. The doctor will examine your condition through different methods to figure out the actual route cause of the pain then he will plan your treatment accordingly.
The diagnostic approach that the doctor may adopt to examine the case includes:
- Physical examination
- Imaging test (ultrasound)
- Urinalysis
- Urine cultures tests
- Rectal exam
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will go for the best treatment available to cure the disease. The treatments may include:
- Pain medications
- Antibiotics for infection control
- Surgical procedure
Depending upon the disease, the treatment will vary. Follow your doctor’s advice carefully and properly in order to avoid any complications and also to ensure steady recovery.
Bonus: Testicular Pain Treatment at Home
Testicular pain can be treated at home by adopting some effective practices that will contribute positively to the cause. We can prevent many discomforts by adopting some healthy habits.
For suppose, if we take about the sportsmen or even young boys who practice different outdoor games, they are more prone to testicular injuries. To prevent testicular injuries, it is best to use an athletic supporter; it is easily available in stores and online.
Other methods that help to ease testicular pain include; the use of ice because it is the best remedy to reduce inflammation, taking a warm bath is also quite effective pain-reducing technique, many over-the-counter drugs can be used to ease the pain.
Remember that never try to use any medicine without the advice of the doctor to save yourself from any complications.
Final Words
If you have reached here then you have got the answer to your queries. Keep in mind that whether the pain is mild or severe, do not ignore it and try to figure out the situation. If you have a complaint of pain in the testicle and leg, try to figure out the cause.
Go for self-examination and immediately consult a doctor in case of anything unusual. Whatever your doctor’s advice, follow the instructions carefully to ensure proper and steady recovery. Take care of yourself and enjoy life to its fullest. May God save everyone from any hazardous condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can testicular cancer cause pain in the legs?
Yes, pain in the legs is one of the symptoms of testicular cancer. Usually, a person with testicular cancer presents multiple symptoms including; chest pain, shortness of breath, lower back pain, bloody sputum, etc. Testicular cancer can cause swelling in one or both legs from a blood clot and is accompanied by severe pain.
Does testicular torsion cause thigh pain?
Usually, a doctor looks for swelling of the scrotum while performing a physical exam to check for testicular torsion. Testicular torsion causes severe and sudden pain in one side of the scrotum. It is also accompanied by swelling and redness of the scrotum. The reason for testicular torsion is reduced blood supply to the testicles that result in severe pain.
What is a dead testicle?
Dead testicle means that there is no blood supply to the testes that cause the cells there to die resulting in infract. The scrotum will become tender due to the dead testes, and it also causes redness and swelling of the scrotum. It is advised that any sort of pain in the testes should never be neglected and the person should seek medical assistance immediately to avoid any complication.
Can you strain a testicle?
A protective and tough covering around the testicles can get tear or rupture that will then damage the testicles. The testicular rupture of failure is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment without any delay. Any damage to the testicle can cause the testicle to push through the surrounding tissues. If the patient does not get quick medical help, the condition can lead to further complications.
What can be mistaken for testicular cancer?
There are few discomforts or scenarios that people often misunderstand as testicular cancer although the thing in actuality is quite different. Among different conditions, one is the epididymitis. The epididymis is a tubular structure where the sperms get mature and the structure is present next to the testicles. Another case is of varicocele, and many other non-cancerous symptoms are similar to those associated with testicular cancer.
Does testicular cancer hurt to touch?
Not usually because most of the cancers of tumors do not cause any pain. In the case of testicular cancer, a lump is formed on the front or the side of the testicle. The clinical presentation of testicular cancer reports that the testicle can be felt firmer than normal and it may also feel hard or rigid as compared to a normal one.
