Lumps in the scrotum
The are a few different lumps and bumps that can appear in or on your scrotum.
Just like for any other part of your body, if you experience testicular pain or you notice anything unusual about the appearance of your scrotum or what’s inside it, you should make an appointment to see your doctor.
Most lumps found in the scrotum aren’t cancer. Cysts on the scrotum filled with fluid are very common, especially as you get older. Varicose veins within the scrotum are also common.

Hydroceles
What is a hydrocele?
A hydrocele is a swelling in the scrotum caused by a buildup of fluid around one or both of your testes.
Hydroceles are usually painless, but they can increase in size and get very large. Hydroceles are not dangerous but they can get in the way or become uncomfortable if get big enough.
Hydroceles are usually a consequence of how your body developed before birth, especially when they occur in babies and young boys. In older males, hydroceles can be caused by injury, infection or inflammation. Very rarely, hydroceles can be a sign of testicular cancer in young men.
What treatments are there for hydroceles?
Hydroceles can be cured by a minor operation.

Varicoceles
What is a varicocele?
A varicocele occurs when the veins in the scrotum that drain blood from the testis (testicle) become abnormally dilated and large. Varicoceles may look or feel like ‘a bag of worms’ within the scrotum.
Varicoceles become increasingly common with age and usually happen on the left side of the scrotum. They can sometimes cause pain but usually, there are no symptoms.
Varicoceles are commonly found in men who have fertility problems, and surgery to fix the varicocele improves fertility in some of these men.
What treatments are there for varicoceles?
There are several surgical procedures that can be used to treat a varicocele, but treatment is not always necessary.

Epididymal cyst
What is an epididymal cyst?
Epididymal cysts are very common and can happen at any age. They’re small collections of fluid within the epididymis (the thin, coiled tube that transports sperm from the testis).
Usually, epididymal cysts feel like a pea-sized lump at the top of the testicle, but they can become larger.
An experienced doctor can usually diagnose an epididymal cyst with a genital examination. If there is any doubt, the best test is an ultrasound scan.
Epididymal cysts aren’t dangerous, and they don’t mean you have a higher chance of cancer, infertility or any other problem. Usually, they go away by themselves. If they get larger, they can cause bother or discomfort.
What treatments are there for epididymal cysts?
Epididymal cysts are usually only treated if they are causing pain or discomfort.
Epididymal cysts can be drained using a needle, under local anaesthetic, but the fluid often comes back. Draining the fluid and then injecting something to close up the space in the cyst usually cures them.

Epididymitis
What is epididymitis?
Epididymitis is a painful swelling or inflammation of the epididymis – the thin, coiled tube found behind each testicle. Epididymitis is one of the most common causes of pain in the scrotum. It can be difficult to tell if the pain and swelling are coming from your epididymis, your testicle, or both. You might have pain when urinating, not be able to hold on, or need to urinate urgently or often. Epididymitis can also cause a discharge from the penis, or fever.
Epididymitis is caused by infection, irritation or injury of the epididymitis. In younger men, epididymitis usually occurs in association with a sexually transmitted infection. In older men, infections by bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract are more common causes of epididymitis. If you have not yet engaged in sexual activity, the most likely cause of epididymitis is repetitive irritation of the epididymis during physical activity.
What treatments are there for epididymitis?
Epididymitis is usually treated with antibiotics. Your doctor might start you on them straight away, but you might need to change the type of antibiotic depending on your test results.

Orchitis
What is orchitis?
Orchitis is an inflammation of one or both testicles that causes testicular pain, swelling and redness.
Orchitis is usually accompanied by inflammation of the epididymis (epididymo-orchitis). Epididymo-orchitis is a common cause of pain and swelling in the scrotum.
The mumps virus is a common cause of orchitis but it can be caused by other viruses and bacteria. Mumps can damage your ability to produce sperm, especially if you get it after the age of eight.
What treatments are there for orchitis?
The usual treatment for orchitis is pain relief and rest. If you have a bacterial infection, your doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics.

Testicular torsion
What is testicular torsion (twisting)?
Testicular torsion is a twisting of the spermatic cord within the scrotum that reduces or completely stops blood flow to the testicle. Testicular torsion is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment – the longer it’s left untreated, the greater the risk of irreversible damage to the testis.
Testicular torsion causes severe pain, usually in the scrotum, that starts suddenly. In many cases, it causes pain in the abdomen, and nausea and vomiting. You might notice the affected testicle in a different position or higher in the scrotum than normal. It’s usually slightly swollen and sore to touch.
Sometimes testicular torsion occurs because the testicle is not securely attached to the wall of the scrotum, making it more likely to twist and block the blood supply. It can also be caused by vigorous activity or injury.
What treatments are there for testicular torsion?
If you have sudden onset pain in the scrotum, seek medical help immediately. Testicular torsion requires immediate surgery to correct the problem.

This content is modified from Healthy Male: healthymale.org.au. This information has been provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended to take the place of a clinical diagnosis or proper medical advice from a fully qualified health professional. Healthy Male and International Society of Andrology both urge readers to seek the services of a qualified medical practitioner for any personal health concerns.