Swollen Testicles

Your testicles and scrotum may swell due to an injury, infection or tumor. If you notice swelling (with or without pain) or a hard lump, contact a urology doctor.

What Do Swollen Testicles Look Like?

Scrotal swelling can happen quickly or develop over years. Sometimes, your skin may become red or thickened. Other times, the swelling could come from a lump on the inside of the scrotum. You may notice a lump, but sometimes there is no lump. One or both testicles may become swollen.

What Causes Swollen Testicles?

A variety of conditions can cause swollen testicles, including:

• Edema or buildup of fluid under the skin, which may be a sign of congestive heart failure and will likely cause swelling in other parts of the body.
• Epididymitis, the swelling and irritation of the tube at the back of the testicle that carries sperm.
• Hydrocele, in which the scrotum fills with extra fluid.
• Inguinal hernia caused by structures for inside your abdomen (e.g., fat, intestines, etc.) moving down into the groin and scrotum.
• Orchitis, swelling in one or both testicles caused by an infection.
• Spermatocele, a fluid-filled cyst either above or behind your testicle.
• Testicular cancer, which is usually one-sided and may feel like a lump inside the testicle accompanied by swelling, heaviness or discomfort.
• Testicular torsion, a medical emergency characterized by a sudden, severe pain in one testicle, a visible lump, or swelling on one side of the scrotum.
• Trauma or injury.
• Varicocele, abnormally dilated testicular veins.