What Else Do I Need To Know About Testicular Disease
Hernias are sometimes mistaken for testicular disease. When a lower part of the abdominal wall muscles are weak, part of the intestine can bulge through it. When the intestine pushes into the scrotum, its called an inguinal hernia although the scrotum swells, and it can appear to be a testicular problem. The solution is surgery to fix the weak part of the abdominal wall.
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How Long Can Epididymitis Last
Most people who are treated for epididymitis start to feel better after three days, though discomfort and swelling may last weeks or even months after finishing antibiotic treatment.
Its important to finish the entire treatment recommended by your healthcare provider. If symptoms return, follow up with your provider. They can rule out other conditions, including a tumor or testicular cancer.
How Is Epididymitis Treated
Epididymitis treatment involves antibiotics. The most common medications include doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Antibiotic treatment usually lasts about one to two weeks.
People with epididymitis can also relieve their symptoms by:
- Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the pain.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
Most prostate cancers are found early, through screening. Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. More advanced prostate cancers can sometimes cause symptoms, such as:
- Problems urinating, including a slow or weak urinary stream or the need to urinate more often, especially at night
- Trouble getting an erection
- Pain in the hips, back , chest , or other areas from cancer that has spread to bones
- Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet, or even loss of bladder or bowel control from cancer pressing on the spinal cord
Most of these problems are more likely to be caused by something other than prostate cancer. For example, trouble urinating is much more often caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia , a non-cancerous growth of the prostate. Still, its important to tell your health care provider if you have any of these symptoms so that the cause can be found and treated, if needed. Some men might need more tests to check for prostate cancer.
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How The Study Worked
Early development of a fluorescently labeled version of the antibody-derived probe suggested a radioactive version of the probe would reveal the anatomical distribution of SARS-CoV-2 infection after a PET scan.
The observation of SARS-CoV-2 infection of the different tissues of the male genital tract emerges from a new system designed to use a PET scan to detect sites of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a rhesus macaque. The identification of the rhesus macaque as a major and reproducible site of SARS-CoV-2 infection was unexpected and has pathological characteristics consistent with the pathology of testicles of victims of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Future research by Hopes lab will:
- Examine male genital tract infection at later timepoints
- Determine if testicles are a reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 infection as has been suggested in literature
- Investigate if SARS-CoV-2 infects tissues of the female reproductive system
- Aid in the development of therapies and interventions to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on male fertility
- Goal to eventually do PET scan on patients to determine the location of the virus and the best the course of care
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What Causes Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis
Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a type of infective prostatitis. It is caused by a persistent infection with a germ of the prostate gland. A man with chronic bacterial prostatitis will usually have had recurring urine infections. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is usually caused by the same type of germs that causes the urine infections. The prostate gland can harbour infection and therefore recurring infections can occur. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is not a sexually transmitted infection.
Coronavirus Infects Male Genital Tract
The surprising discovery was made utilizing a PET scan specially designed to reveal sites of infection spreading over time in a whole-body scan. Scientists didnt know what they would find, but they expected to see the virus in the lungs and high up in the nose near the brain because people were experiencing loss of taste and smell.
But the signal that jumped out at us was the complete spread through the male genital tract, said lead investigator Thomas Hope, professor of cell and developmental biology at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine. We had no idea we would find it there.
These results indicate that the testicular pain, erectile dysfunction, hypogonadism, reduced sperm count and quality, and decreased fertility associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection are a direct consequence of infection of cells of the male reproductive tract and not indirect mechanisms such as fever and inflammation, Hope said.
The evidence that infection with SARS-CoV-2 can negatively impact male sexual health and fertility is increasing every day. But scientists didnt know the reason and wondered if the cause was fever and inflammation.
We just didnt understand why it had this negative impact until this study, Hope said. He noted viruses such as mumps, Ebola, Zika, SARS-COV-1 and other viruses also can infect tissues of the male genital tract and negatively impact fertility. Mumps infection is well known to potentially cause male sterility.
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Other Symptoms When Your Testicles Hurt
When finding out the cause why your testicles hurt, doctors will usually want to know about associated symptoms with testicular pain.
Testicular pain is pain that is felt anywhere in the scrotum or testicles. According to Dr. Steven Doerr on eMedicineHealth, discomfort and swelling in the scrotum could indicate a serious condition like testicular torsion. Usually, an infection will cause your testicles to feel tender and you may notice redness on your scrotum.1
Other conditions like a urinary tract infection or kidney stones can also make your testicles hurt. These medical conditions will often result in a fever, nausea, and an .
The Relationship Between Constipation And The Prostate Is Kind Of Like The Old Chicken And Egg Conundrum
The egg: Constipation, aka the build-up of feces in the intestine , can put pressure on the bladder and the prostate, which can cause symptoms resembling those associated with an enlarged prostate. The chicken: an enlarged prostate can put pressure on the rectum and cause constipation. But wait, theres more
Sonia Chartier
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When Do I Need To See A Doctor
You should immediately call your doctor if you have testicular pain or swelling, especially if the pain gets worse or if you feel sick. If you have any symptoms of testicular torsion, make sure to seek immediate medical attention.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 07/28/2016.
References
The Initial Causes Can Enlarged Prostate Cause Swollen Testicles
One of the first symptoms of prostate issues is pain or tenderness in the groin or lower back. This can be the result of a noncancerous condition called enlarged prostatic tissue, or it could be an infection of the bladder. In either case, its important to see a doctor as soon as possible. If youre suffering from prostate pain, you may want to consider reducing your caffeine intake.
Another symptom of a potentially enlarged prostate is difficulty starting a stream of urine, leaking, or dribbling. These symptoms are not serious, but theyre still alarming. Most men put up with an enlarged prostate for years before seeking medical attention, but they typically seek treatment as soon as they notice symptoms. Even if you dont have symptoms, its worth getting checked to determine if you have any prostate issues.
If you experience nightly bathroom runs, you may be experiencing an enlarged prostate. You may be having difficulty starting a stream of urine, or you may even be dribbling or leaking during the day. These problems arent life-threatening, but can become a nuisance. You should not ignore these signs and seek treatment as soon as you notice them. If you feel any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
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How We Diagnose Prostatitis:
Prostatitis may be a clinical diagnosis, meaning it is presumed to be the causative issue even when no definitive findings are found. Our urologists may order/perform the following to diagnose prostatitis:
- History & Physical Exam
- Digital Rectal Exam: Inserting a gloved, lubricated, finger into the rectum to feel the prostate. The prostate may feel boggy and is usually more tender than normal in men with prostatitis.
- Urinalysis & Culture: Urine will almost always be positive for infection in men with bacterial prostatitis. However, because not all prostatitis is caused by bacteria, the urine may be negative for infection.
- Blood cultures/labs
- Transrectal ultrasound: An ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum to visualize the prostate.
- Cystoscopy: A look at the prostate and bladder with a small camera inserted through the urethra.
- Urodynamics: A study used to exam the function of the bladder and help determine if there is an outflow obstruction.
What Are Some Causes Of Testicle Pain
If you or a loved one is experiencing testicular pain, the multispecialty team of experts in the Urologic Oncology Program are here to help.
The testicles are very sensitive. Even a very minor injury can cause intense pain in the scrotum, the testicle itself or in the coiled tube the delivers sperm and supporting tissue behind it . For instance, a direct blow from a kick, punch, sporting mishap or car accident can result in extreme but usually temporary pain, swelling and bruising.
Many men are inclined to ignore testicular pain and hope that it will simply go away. However, if a man experiences severe testicular pain from a severe trauma or for no apparent reason, he should see a physician right away. Some conditions that cause this symptom require prompt medical attention. These include:
Men who would like to have their testicular pain evaluated are welcome to consult with the multispecialty team of experts in the Urologic Oncology Program at Moffitt Cancer Center. We offer a full range of diagnostic tests in a convenient setting and provide our patients with prompt and accurate results.
To learn more about Moffitts services, call 1-888-MOFFITT or complete a new patient registration form online. No referrals are required.
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Treating Prostate And Testicular Conditions
At Loma Linda University Health, our highly trained urological staff is committed to:
- Detecting prostate and testicular conditions in their early stages
- Providing compassionate care and cutting-edge urological treatments
- Educating men about how to maintain prostate and testicular health
- Conducting ongoing research and clinical trials to find new diagnostic methods and treatments for prostate and testicular conditions
Loma Linda University Health’s Urology Department and Cancer Center regularly treat prostate and testicular conditions, including, but not limited to, benign prostatic hyperplasia , prostate cancer, prostatitis, epididymitis, hypogonadism, testicular cancer, testicular trauma and testicular torsion.
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Another type of prostate issue is chronic prostatitis, or chronic pelvic pain syndrome. This condition causes pain in the lower back and groin area, and may cause urinary retention. Symptoms include leaking and discomfort. In severe cases, a catheter may be required to relieve the symptoms. If the problem is unresponsive to other treatments, your doctor may suggest a surgical procedure. If these do not work, your symptoms could progress and become chronic.
An acute bacterial infection can cause a burning sensation. Inflammation of the prostate can affect the bladder and result in discomfort and other symptoms. This is the most common urinary tract problem in men under 50, and the third most common in men over 65. The symptoms of acute bacterial prostatitis are similar to those of CPPS. Patients may experience a fever or chills as a result of the infection.
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Diagnosis Of An Enlarged Prostate
In order to establish the possible underlying causes for an enlarged prostate, doctors will perform a variety of tests.
Tests which are commonly used to find the cause of an enlarged prostate include:
- A digital rectal exam. A physician or nurse will insert a gloved finger into the patientâs rectum to digitally examine the prostate for swelling and/or enlargement.
- Swab tests for urethral discharge or urine. To determine underlying conditions such as STIs/STDs and urinary tract infections. A swab of discharge or urine is taken and sent to a medical laboratory for culturing, so that any microorganisms are identified.
- Urinalysis. A urine sample is sent to a medical laboratory for analysis and may be tested for urea nitrogen or creatinine, among other things.
- Blood tests. A sample of blood is sent to a medical laboratory for analysis, which may include tests for creatinine or blood urea nitrogen, as well as antibodies and infectious agents.
- Prostate-specific antigen test. A blood sample is sent to a medical laboratory to be tested for prostate-specific antigen , an enzyme produced by cells in the prostate. A change in PSA levels can indicate that there is a problem with the prostate.
If patients are referred to a urologist, they may have further tests, including:
Before referring the patient for tests, the physician may also ask questions in order to determine the possible causes of the discomfort, their severity, and their duration. Such questions may cover:
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Clinical trials are part of clinical research and at the heart of all medical advances. Clinical trials look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease. Researchers also use clinical trials to look at other aspects of care, such as improving the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses. Find out if clinical trials are right for you.
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What Are Symptoms Of Bph
Symptoms from BPH can include difficulty starting to urinate, a weak urinary stream, increased frequency of urination, increased night time urination, leakage of urine, incomplete emptying of the bladder, and retention of urine. The diagnosis can usually be made by a physician after taking a history and carefully examining the prostate gland. A urine sample is usually checked to make sure there is no blood or infection. A uroflowmetry test is also done sometimes to check the flow rate and a post-void residual is done to measure how much urine is being retained in the bladder.
Risk Factors For Prostatitis:
Many times, the exact cause for prostatitis is not fully determined or understood. However, there are certain risk factors that may increase your chance of acquiring prostatitis. The most common risk factors include:
- Risky sexual practices: As described above, a sexually transmitted disease may cause prostatitis. Therefore, practicing safe sexual practices can reduce a mans chances of acquiring prostatitis.
- Prostate stones
- Trauma to rectal/testicular area
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Natural Treatment For Swollen Testicles
Swelling is almost always associated with inflammation. Inflammation increases blood flow to a specific area, and this results in swelling. Swollen testicles can be caused by a number of factors, some of which require medical attention.
You can reduce the inflammation naturally by incorporating the ingredients below:
USPlus Saw Palmetto: Antioxidant compounds in this extract reduce inflammation and can protect testicles from chronic disease. It is also linked to reduced inflammation in the prostate. Prostatitis and enlarged prostates are commonly linked to swollen testicles as inflammation spreads through the urinary tract.
Sunflower lecithin is made of fatty acids and is converted to choline in the body. Choline is important to overall health and has been linked to reduced inflammation.
Carotenoids, such as lutein and beta-carotene, are also able to reduce inflammation. By interacting with certain enzymes, they inhibit the downstream production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Carotenoids can be found in fresh fruits and vegetables or taken as supplements to prevent inflammation.
Diagnosis Of Enlarged Prostate Gland And Urinary Problems
If you are troubled by urination problems, see a doctor no matter what your age. If your doctor agrees that your symptoms need further evaluation and treatment, you may need to undergo a few tests.These may include:
- general examination medical history and review of any health conditions including obesity, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea, depression and erectile dysfunction. A rectal examination may be done to check the size and shape of your prostate gland
- a urine check to ensure the prostate is not infected
- a flow-rate check to estimate the speed with which you pass urine
- an ultrasound examination to assess if the bladder is emptying completely and to examine your kidneys
- urodynamics a series of tests on the bladder to see how your urinary system is functioning may be recommended in some circumstances.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Chronic Prostatitis
Many patients remain undiagnosed for years despite regular visits to their urologist. Some may even think they have no problem as the symptoms may remain subtle for a long time. Correctly understanding the symptoms is absolutely critical to treating the condition and saving lives. After 25 years dealing with a vast number of patients of all ages, I have become used to spotting the persistent warning signs of chronic prostatitis whether they occur individually or simultaneously.
Erectile & Sexual Dysfunction: A decrease in sexual desire can be an indicator of chronic prostatitis. Morning erections may become less frequent or fail to reach the usual hardness. Evoked erections may also become less hard. Even if erections reach the desired hardness initially, it is subsequently lost during intercourse or undergo instantaneous transitions. Due to the complexity of erectile dysfunction, we have dedicated posts that explain its correlation with chronic prostatitisand its treatment.
Changes in the frequency of urination / micturition: Chronic prostatitis gradually increases the frequency of urination from 3-4 times per day to 6-8+ times. Over time it becomes a habit rather than feels like a symptom. In addition, the average nighttime frequency can increase from zero to once or even 4 or 5 times.
Feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder: The patient feels that urine remains in the bladder, often creating the sensation of a need for a second urination after a short while.