Why do testicles get bigger?

Testicular enlargement may be caused by orchitis, varicocele, testicular hydrocele, testicular torsion, testicular tumors, etc. It can be treated by anti-infective treatment, surgical reduction, tumor resection, etc.

1. Orchitis

Orchitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection and presents as swollen and painful testicles accompanied by fever. Treatment requires antibiotics such as cefixime granules, levofloxacin tablets, and azithromycin dispersible tablets. In the acute stage, you need to rest in bed and use a scrotal support to reduce the feeling of swelling.

2. Varicocele

Obstruction of spermatic vein return leads to dilation of the venous plexus in the scrotum, and testicular enlargement with penetrating pain may occur. Mild cases can be relieved by wearing tight underwear, while severe cases require high spermatic vein ligation. Avoiding standing and sitting for long periods of time can prevent symptoms from getting worse.

3. Testicular hydrocele

Failure of the vaginal process to close results in fluid accumulation, which manifests as painless testicular enlargement. A small amount of effusion can be observed, but if the amount is large, a sheath inversion operation is required. Most primary effusions in infants and young children can be absorbed by themselves, while secondary effusions in adults require treatment of the primary disease.

4. Testicular torsion

Rotation of the spermatic cord leading to interruption of blood supply and sudden severe pain and swelling of the testicles are urological emergencies. It can be reduced manually within 6 hours of onset, but surgical exploration is required if it exceeds 24 hours, and necrotic testicles need to be removed. The disease is more common in adolescent males after strenuous exercise.

5. Testicular tumors

Painless progressive enlargement of the testicles requires alertness to germ cell tumors, often accompanied by a feeling of heaviness. The diagnosis requires tumor marker detection and imaging examination, and the main treatment is radical orchiectomy, combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Patients with cryptorchidism have a significantly higher incidence rate.

You should avoid testicular trauma on a daily basis, wear loose and breathable underwear, and check testicular morphological changes by yourself every month. If persistent swelling, hardening, or pain occurs, you must promptly seek medical attention from a urology department. Testicular ultrasound and tumor marker examination can effectively identify the cause. After diagnosis, most patients will be treated according to the cause and have a good prognosis. Maintain moderate exercise to enhance physical fitness, but avoid strenuous and confrontational exercise.