In our recent Instagram poll, 72% of respondents knew what testicular torsion was, but only 28% knew the signs and symptoms.
Here's what you need to be on the lookout for!
The most common symptom is sudden, severe testicular or scrotal pain that is usually on one side. One study found that testicular pain and tenderness was present in 86% of patients with torsion(1). This is important to note because not all cases of torsion will present with sudden and severe pain! Scrotal edema or testicular swelling, and redness are also common. When assessing the testicle, you may notice that it is lying horizontally, or is higher than normal. In addition, the testicle may feel hard or have an abnormal texture. Other associated symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. These are all signs of testicular torsion and should be taken seriously! If you have any sudden, severe testicular pain, testicular changes, or unexplained abdominal pain seek medical attention as soon as possible.
(1) Pogorelić, Zenon, Ivana Mrklić, and Ivo Jurić. "Do not forget to include testicular torsion in differential diagnosis of lower acute abdominal pain in young males." Journal of pediatric urology9.6 (2013): 1161-1165.
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