Testicular pain - information sheet

Royal Hospital for Children for Patients, Carers & Visitors
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You or your child have been seen in the Emergency Department with testicular or scrotal pain.

At the moment, we have not found any problem needing surgery, so it is safe to go home. However, it is important to watch closely for any changes or new symptoms.

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Why this matterns

Some conditions that cause testicular pain can become serious very quickly and may require emergency surgery. Although your child is currently well enough to go home and has no signs of a serious condition, the pain may return, and new symptoms can develop later.

If you or your child's symptoms change or worsen, you should immediately return to the Emergency Department. It is important to get this checked early.

What symptoms should I look out for?

Please return to the Emergency Department urgently if your child develops any of the following:

  • Sudden or worsening severe pain in one or both testicles
  • New swelling, redness, or warmth in the scrotum
  • Nausea or vomiting with testicular pain
  • Abdominal or groin pain with testicular pain
  • One testicle that appears higher than usual or positioned at an unusual angle
  • Your child becomes very distressed or unwell

What causes testicular pain?

Image of a testicle with torsion

Testicular Torsion

Testicular torsion is the sudden twisting of the testicle, which cuts off its blood supply.
Without urgent treatment, the testicle can be permanently damaged and may not survive.
Anyone with more than 30 minutes of testicular pain should immediately attend the Emergency Department for assessment.

Intermittent Testicular Torsion

A testicle that twists and then untwists may cause a short period of pain that improves on its own. These patients may have several episodes of brief testicular pain.

They are at high risk of developing full testicular torsion.

If your child has repeated short episodes of testicular pain that fully resolve, worsening pain, or pain lasting more than 30 minutes, they should immediately return to the Emergency Department.

Testicular Infection (Urine Infection, Epididymo-orchitis)

Boys can develop testicular pain from infections of the testicle or surrounding tissues. They may also experience pain when passing urine, a high temperature, or a urine test showing infection. 

Even if your child has been told they have an infection, if symptoms worsen or return after improving, you should return to the Emergency Department.

Torsion of the Testicular Appendix (Hydatid of Morgagni)
There is a small piece of tissue on top of the testicle that is left over from before birth. Sometimes this can twist and cause sudden testicular pain.
This condition does not require surgery and will improve with time and pain relief medication. Doctors can diagnose this by examining your child. 
However, having this condition does not remove the risk of testicular torsion. If your child's pain worsens, fails to improve, or new symptoms develop, you should return to the Emergency Department. 

 

Further Information

If you have any questions, please ask the staff. 

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 30/06/2026

Next review date: 30/06/2029

Author(s): Mr John Hallett, Consultant in Paediatric General Surgery, RHCG. , Stakeholders: Dr Steve Foster, Consultant in Paediatric Emergency Medicine, RHCG. .

Approved By: RHC ED & Gen Surgery Clinical Governance groups