Skip navigation
MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You U.S. National Library of MedicineNational Institutes of Health
Contact Us FAQs Site Map About MedlinePlus
español Home Health Topics Drug Information Medical Encyclopedia Dictionary News Directories Other Resources

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Scrotal swelling

Printer-friendly versionEmail this page to a friend
Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Male reproductive anatomy
Male reproductive anatomy

Alternative names    Return to top

Swelling of the scrotum; Testicular enlargement

Definition    Return to top

Scrotal swelling is abnormal enlargement of the scrotum (the sac that surrounds the testicles).

Considerations    Return to top

Scrotal swelling can occur in men of any age and may or may not be accompanied by pain. It can occur on one or both sides; the testes and the penis may or may not be involved.

Testicular torsion is a serious emergency in which the testicle become twisted in the scrotum and loses its blood supply. If this twisting is not relieved quickly, the testicle may be lost permanently. Immediate evaluation is required.

See also testicle lump.

Common Causes    Return to top

Home Care    Return to top

Ice packs applied to the scrotum are recommended for the first 24 hours, followed by sitz baths to decrease swelling.

If the pain is severe, a towel rolled up and placed between the legs just under the scrotum may help relieve the pain and reduce the swelling. Wearing a loose-fitting athletic supporter is also recommended for performing daily activities. However, avoid excessive activity until the swelling resolves.

Call your health care provider if    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you notice any unexplained scrotal swelling or if the swelling is painful.

What to expect at your health care provider's office    Return to top

The health care provider will perform a physical examination and will obtain a medical history. Medical history questions documenting the scrotal swelling in detail may include the following: The physical examination will probably include detailed examination of the scrotum, testicles, and penis. Diagnostic tests will be determined from the history and physical examination findings.

Antibiotics and pain medications may be prescribed.

Update Date: 1/9/2003

Updated by: David R. Knowles M.D., Department of Urology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital Columbia Campus, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

adam.com logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.