Testicular TorsionSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Testicular Torsion
Testicular torsion is twisting of the spermatic cord, which supports the testes in the scrotum. When this occurs, the blood supply is cut off to the testicles and nearby tissue in the scrotum. This may cause permanent damage to the testicle.
Torsion of the testis; Testicular ischemia; Testicular twisting
Some men are more prone to this condition because of defects in the connective tissue within the scrotum. The problem may also occur after an injury to the scrotum that results in a lot of swelling, or following heavy exercise. In some cases, there is no clear cause.
The condition is more common during the first year of life and at the beginning of adolescence (puberty). However, it may happen in older men.
Symptoms include:
- Sudden severe pain in one testicle. The pain may occur without a clear reason.
- Swelling within one side of the scrotum (scrotal swelling).
- Nausea or vomiting.
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
- Testicle lump
- Blood in the semen
- Testicle pulled to a higher position in scrotum than normal (high riding)
Most of the time, surgery is needed to correct the problem. The procedure involves untwisting the cord and sewing the testicle to the inside wall of the scrotum. Surgery should be done as soon as possible after symptoms begin. If it is performed within 6 hours, most of the testicle can be saved.
During surgery, the testicle on the other side is often secured into place as well. This is because the unaffected testicle is at risk of testicular torsion in the future.
Cohen Children's Northwell Health Physician Partners Pediatric Urology At New Hyde Park
Lane Palmer is a Pediatrics provider practicing medicine in Lake Success, New York. Dr. Palmer is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Testicular Torsion. He is also highly rated in 17 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Testicular Torsion, Varicocele, Hypospadias, Meatal Stenosis, and Orchiectomy. Dr. Palmer is board certified in American Board Of Urology and American Board Of Urology/Pediatric Urology.
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital For Children
Bruce Schlomer is a Pediatrics specialist and a Urologist practicing medicine in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Schlomer is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Testicular Torsion. He is also highly rated in 36 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Testicular Torsion, Hypospadias, Neurogenic Bladder, Reconstructive Urology Surgery, and Orchiectomy. Dr. Schlomer is board certified in Urology- American Board Of Urology, Pediatric Urology- American Board Of Urology/Pediatric Urology, and Pediatric Urology- American Board Of Urology.
May Maghrebi-Al practices practicing medicine in Safat, Kuwait. Ms. Maghrebi-Al is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Testicular Torsion. She is also highly rated in 1 other condition, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Testicular Torsion, Infertility, and Ataxia-Telangiectasia.
The testicle may continue to function properly if the condition is found early and treated right away. The chances that the testicle will need to be removed increase if blood flow is reduced for more than 6 hours. However, sometimes it may lose its ability to function even if torsion has lasted fewer than 6 hours.
The testicle may shrink if its blood supply is cut off for an extended time. It may need to be surgically removed. Shrinkage of the testicle may occur days to months after the torsion has been corrected. Severe infection of the testicle and scrotum is also possible if the blood flow is limited for a long period.
Get emergency medical attention if you have symptoms of testicular torsion as soon as possible. It is better to go to an emergency room instead of an urgent care in case you need to have surgery right away.
Take steps to avoid injury to the scrotum. Many cases cannot be prevented.
Summary: The objective of this observational study is to identify the factors that influence whether or not an adolescent seeks immediate medical attention upon the onset of symptoms of testicular torsion. The main question it aims to answer is as follows: What factors are associated with a delay in seeking medical care-defined as a time interval of 6 hours or more between the onset of symptoms and the fir...
Summary: This prospective multicenter observational study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the Testicular Workup for Ischemia and Suspected Torsion (TWIST) score in adult patients presenting with acute scrotal pain in Swedish Emergency Departments. The TWIST score is a clinical decision tool originally validated in pediatric populations to stratify patients into low, intermediate, and high risk ...
Published Date: July 01, 2025
Published By: Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Park JH, Leitner DV, Elsamra SE. Evaluation of the urologic patient: history and physical examination. In: Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, et al, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 2.
Zee RS, Herndon CDA. Perinatal urology. In: Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, et al, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 34.