What is Testicular Torsion?

Summary

As it's International Men's Health Awareness Week, Toni Bedward, Solicitor in our Clinical Negligence Department answers some frequently asked questions about the risks and symptoms of testicular torsion after representing multiple Claimants in relation to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. Testicular torsion is a condition in which a testicle twists, restricting the necessary blood flow to the area, resulting in sudden and often intense pain and swelling. It is a time sensitive emergency which requires urgent treatment. Otherwise, the testicle may die and may have to be removed. Testicular torsion can happen at any time. It can occur as a result of an injury to the scrotum, partaking in sports or physical activity, it can also happen when you are asleep or for no specific reason at all. Some people can suffer from intermittent testicular torsion where the testicle twists slightly and then untwists over several periods. This is still dangerous as the testicle will likely end up twisting completely. Who can be affected by testicular torsion? Studies have found that testicular torsion is common in babies, toddlers, and teenagers aged 12-18 but testicular torsion can happen to men.

Key information

• Sudden and severe testicle pain (usually within a couple of hours but often more quickly),
• Swelling of the testicles or scrotum,
• Feelings of nausea and vomiting.
• As it's International Men's Health Awareness Week, Toni Bedward, Solicitor in our Clinical Negligence Department answers some frequently asked questions about the risks and symptoms of testicular torsion after representing multiple Claimants in relation to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.
• Testicular torsion is a condition in which a testicle twists, restricting the necessary blood flow to the area, resulting in sudden and often intense pain and swelling. It is a time sensitive emergency which requires urgent treatment. Otherwise, the testicle may die and may have to be removed.
• Testicular torsion can happen at any time. It can occur as a result of an injury to the scrotum, partaking in sports or physical activity, it can also happen when you are asleep or for no specific reason at all.
• Some people can suffer from intermittent testicular torsion where the testicle twists slightly and then untwists over several periods. This is still dangerous as the testicle will likely end up twisting completely.
• Studies have found that testicular torsion is common in babies, toddlers, and teenagers aged 12-18 but testicular torsion can happen to men at any age. Although the condition may be more common in babies it can be more severe in adults. National clinical guidance suggests that testicular torsion should be suspected as a diagnosis in any patients under 30 with acute onset of testicle pain.
• Sudden and severe testicle pain (usually within a couple of hours but often more quickly),
• Unfortunately as the pain eases, this can suggest that the testicle has started to die. When blood flow has been restricted for too long, the nerve endings in the testicle start to die which is why the pain eases off. It is better to get the pain checked out as soon as possible.
• What should I do if I suffer from sudden and severe testicle pain?
• If you or anyone you know begins to experience the symptoms listed above, it is important to go to hospital straight away. It is best to attend your local Accident & Emergency (A&E) if possible, as surgical exploration is the only real way of diagnosing and treating testicular torsion. Urgent Care Centre’s generally will not have the surgical facilities to undertake the exploration, or the associated urology specialists, so you should save time and head straight to A&E. The longer that blood flow to the testicle is restricted, the more chance there is of losing the testicle.

Practical guidance

• Source: What is Testicular Torsion?

Related topics

More in this area

• The Role Of Mediation In Personal Injury And Clinical Negligence Claims
• Limb Loss & Limb Difference Awareness Month: How do we support our clients?
• No Win No Fee Solicitors: What\u2019s The Catch?
• Elevating the Voice of Patients
• Supreme Court Changes the Law on Compensation for Injured Children