The testicles (also called testes) are part of the male reproductive system.
The testicles are two oval organs about the size of large olives. They are
located inside the scrotum, the loose sac of skin that hangs behind the penis.
The testicles make the male hormones, including testosterone, and produce sperm,
the male reproductive cells. Disorders of the testes can lead to serious
complications, including hormonal imbalances, sexual dysfunction and
infertility.
What disorders affect the testes?
Some of the more common disorders that affect the testes include the
following:
Testicular trauma
Because the testes are located within the scrotum, which hangs outside of
the body, they do not have the protection of muscles and bones. This makes it
easier for the testes to be struck, hit, kicked or crushed, which occurs most
often during contact sports. Males can protect their testicles by wearing
athletic cups during sports.
Trauma to the testes can cause severe pain, bruising and/or swelling. In
most cases, the testes—which are made of a spongy material—can absorb the
shock of an injury without serious damage. A rare type of testicular trauma,
called testicular rupture, occurs when the testicle receives a direct blow or
is squeezed against the hard surface of the pelvis. This injury can cause
blood to leak into the scrotum. In severe cases, surgery to repair the rupture—and
thus save the testicle—may be necessary.
Testicular torsion
Within the scrotum, the testicles are secured at one end by a structure
called the spermatic cord. Sometimes, this cord gets twisted around a
testicle, cutting off the testicle’s blood supply. Symptoms of testicular
torsion include sudden and severe pain, enlargement of the affected testicle,
tenderness, and swelling.
This disorder, which occurs most often in young males between the ages of
12 and 18, can result from an injury to the testicles or from strenuous
activity. It also can occur for no apparent reason.
Testicular torsion is an emergency. Treatment usually involves correction
of the problem through surgery. Testicular function may be saved if the
condition is diagnosed and corrected immediately. If the blood supply to the
testicle is cut off for a long period of time, the testicle can become
permanently damaged and may need to be removed.
Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the testicles divide and
grow uncontrolled. Testicular cancer can develop in one or both
testicles in men or young boys. Symptoms of testicular cancer include a lump,
irregularity or enlargement in either testicle; a pulling sensation or feeling
of unusual heaviness in the scrotum; a dull ache in the groin or lower
abdomen; and pain or discomfort (which may come and go) in a testicle or the
scrotum.