How is testicular trauma treated?
Your provider may treat testicular trauma in different ways. For mild cases, your healthcare provider is likely that you rest, take over-the-counter pain relievers and put ice on the affected area. They may also suggest you use some type of scrotal support and may prescribe antibiotics if needed.
If you haven’t improved after 48 hours, you should contact your provider or return to see them.
There are certain types of trauma to the testicl*s that your provider will want to treat immediately. These types include any that have penetrated the scrotum and testicl*s, removed a large amount of skin, or that show signs of twisting or blood supply interruptions.
Your provider may do surgery to treat testicular trauma by:
- Untwisting the testicl* and fixing it into position to prevent future twisting.
- Repairing a ruptured testicl* and sewing the covering back together.
- Washing the wound out to minimize the risk of infection.
- Moving a dislocated testicl* if attempts to manipulate it back into place don’t work.
- Reattaching a detached testicl*, if possible.
- Skin grafts for degloving injuries.
- Surgery to remove a damaged testicl* (orchiectomy). Your provider may suggest freezing sperm if they have to remove one or both testicl*s.
Complications/side effects of testicular injuries and/or their treatment
Complications of testicular trauma can include:
- Infections.
- Infertility.
- Low testosterone.
- Urologic problems.
Does testicular trauma cause cancer?
No. There’s no evidence that testicular injury causes cancer.
Does testicular trauma cause sexual dysfunction?
Injury to your testicl*s can be a factor in erectile dysfunction, especially if the injury isn’t treated. Epididymitis, a swelling that can happen after trauma, can cause ED if the inflammation is chronic. Other types of injuries, such as those related to surgeries, can cause at least temporary problems with sexual performance.
How long does it take to recover from treatment for testicular trauma?
You should probably rest for 24 to 48 hours if you have a mild injury. If things get worse, or if you aren’t better, you should see your provider.
If you have a more severe trauma, you should go back to your provider one to two weeks later. If you have a more severe injury or you’re recovering from surgery, swelling may last up to a month.
