Problems can be detected early by regular examination of testicles, preferably in a hot bath so that scrotal muscles are relaxed; the testes themselves should feel smooth through skin of scrotum; the epididymides should feel cord-like, with no noticeable bumps or lumps; any nodules, areas of tenderness, or swelling should be reported to your medical doctor.
Enlarged or Painful Testicle
A painless lump in one testicle is most likely to be an epididymal cyst; in rare cases, it may be cancer of the testicle (see Cancer). A painful swelling in one testicle, followed by pain and swelling of scrotum, suggests torsion or epididymitis (see below); both conditions require prompt medical attention, so consult your doctor if there is no improvement in 2 hours. A blow to the testicles can cause severe pain; if pain does not wear off within an hour or so, or if scrotum is obviously bruised and swollen, consult your doctor if there is no improvement in 2 hours; surgery may be necessary to prevent internal bleeding causing permanent damage to testes; in meantime, give Arnica 30c every 5 minutes for up to 10 doses.
Epididymal Cysts
These are benign, painless, fluid-filled swellings which develop in one or more of the many tubes leading from testis to epididymis; quite common in men over 40, and can occur in one or both testicles; since epididymis lies behind testis, swelling is usually located in upper rear past of testicle. Surgery is seldom necessary or advised, as it can result in partial sterility. Constitutional homeopathic treatment is recommended, but the remedies below should be tried first.
Specific remedies to be taken 4 times daily for up to 7 days
- Remedy of first resort Apis 30c
- If Apis does not reduce swelling Graphites 6c
Epididymitis
Bacterial infection of epididymis, usually as result of urinary tract infection; results in hot, tender, painful swelling at back of one testicle. Conventionally treated with antibiotics; however, the remedies given below should be tried first. If there is no improvement within 12 hours, see your medical doctor.
Specific remedies to be taken every hour for up to 10 doses
- Testicle extremely hot, red, swollen, tender, and sensitive to slightest jarring Belladonna 30c
- Infection onsets very suddenly, dramatic swelling of testicle, pains in scrotum and lower abdomen Pulsatilla 30c
- Fever, restlessness, infection comes on after exposure to cold dry winds Aconite 30c
- Testicle hot, swollen, and aching as if someone had kicked it, pains shooting up towards bladder Hamamelis 30c
Hydrocele
Excess fluid in double-layered sheath around testes, causing soft, painless swelling; in most cases, cause is not known, though occasionally condition is precipitated by injury; most common in older men. Condition is usually kept under observation rather than treated, but if swelling is large, medical doctor may recommend drawing off excess fluid under local anaesthetic; if this does not prevent recurrence, surgery may be necessary. If the homeopathic remedies below produce no improvement within a month or so, see your homeopath.
Specific remedies to be taken 3 times daily for up to 3 weeks
- Swelling follows injury Arnica 30c
- If Arnica does not help Bryonia 30c
- Testicle tends to ache in thundery weather Rhododendron 6c
Torsion of the Testicle
Occurs when one of testicles twists out of its natural position, pinching veins and blocking outflow of blood; result is sharp pain, sometimes sharp enough to cause Nausea and Vomiting, and swelling. Condition is rare, but can happen at any time, even in sleep; in susceptible individuals, double-layered sheath enclosing testis is not as close-fitting as it should be. Twist often undoes itself spontaneously, but if it doesn't, consult your doctor if there is no improvement in 2 hours as arteries as well as veins may become blocked. While waiting for medical help, take Aconite 30c every 5 minutes for up to 10 doses. Standard treatment is surgical exploration as this is the only sure way to prevent torsion recurring.
Varicocele
Abnormal distention of veins draining one of testicles, analogous to Varicose Veins in legs; symptoms are swelling, which disappears when lying down, and a dragging pain, especially in hot weather or after exercise; problem is most common in adolescence; in rare cases, increase in local heat can interfere with fertility. Pain and dragging sensation can be relieved by supporting testicles with a jock strap; surgery to remove or bypass distended veins is not always successful.
Specific remedies to be taken 2 times daily for up to 2l days
- Person pale and anaemic, pain made worse by pressure but relieved by cold applications Ferrum phos. 6c
- Pain radiates up from testicle into lower abdomen, person also suffers from piles Hamamelis 6c
- Heat and lying on painless side make pain in testicle worse, cold applications relieve pain Pulsatilla 6c
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