Have you had any testicular trauma? (Testicular Trauma) Let's talk about this!

Sometimes, we can have many accidents that we don't expect, right? Especially for men, sometimes while playing sports, falling, or some other incident, the testicles can be damaged or injured. This can sometimes be a bit difficult and embarrassing to talk about. However, being aware of such things is very important for your health. Because, if you get treatment on time, you can prevent many big problems.

What is testicular trauma?

Simply put, a testicular trauma is an injury to your testicles, or "balls" as we call them. You know, they're located outside the body, covered by a skin sac called the scrotum. However, they're not protected by bone or major muscles. So they can easily be injured .

Most of the time, the testicles can handle a minor bruise or impact without causing any major damage. However, in some cases, depending on the severity of the injury, you may need medical attention. Such an injury can damage the scrotum as well as the testicles. It is possible for the protective tissue to tear, or the testicle itself to rupture.

Did you know that the testicles are where sperm and male hormones (especially `Testosterone`) are produced? So, if an accident like this happens, that process can be disrupted and blood flow can be affected.

Who can have accidents like this?

Anyone with testicles can be at risk for this type of injury. Because, as mentioned earlier, these are located outside the body, with little protection. Therefore, there is no distinction between boys, young people, and adults.

What are the different types of testicular trauma?

These accidents are not the same, there are different types. Let's see what they are:

• Contusion: This is the most common type. Simply put, it's a bruise. Just like when we get hit somewhere, the skin turns blue, the tissues inside the testicle are damaged and a small amount of blood can collect. This is sometimes called a hematoma .
• Testicular Torsion: This is a serious and emergency situation . Imagine what would happen if the blood vessel that carries blood to the testicle, the spermatic cord, were to twist like a water pipe? The blood flow would be cut off, depriving the testicle of oxygen and nutrients, causing damage and even death. If this happens, surgery would be needed within a few hours to repair it.
• Rupture: This is when the tough membrane covering the testicle (the tunica albuginea) tears. Like a balloon bursting, the tissue inside can come out. This is also called a testicular fracture . This is also a condition that requires emergency surgery.
• Degloving: This is a bit more serious. This is when the skin around the testicles, that is, the skin of the scrotum, is completely torn off due to some major accident (e.g., getting caught in machinery).
• Dislocation: In a severe accident, the testicle can be pushed out of its place, that is, out of the scrotum, into the abdominal cavity.
• Complete detachment (`Detaching`): This is the most severe and rare event. This is when the testicle completely separates from the body. This usually happens in large, severe accidents.

After an accident like this, infections or inflammation can occur. For example, the epididymis, a tube behind the testicle that stores and transports sperm, can become inflamed, a condition called epididymitis , and can develop into an infection.

Can testicles get strained?

You've probably heard that muscles can be twisted and ``strained.'' But the testicles don't have muscles . So the testicles don't get ``strained.'' However, the muscles in the groin area can get ``strained,'' which is something like a pull, in an accident.

What are the symptoms of this type of accident?

A testicular injury can cause a variety of symptoms. Some of them are very obvious.

• Severe pain in the scrotum .
• The scrotum turns blue and bruises are visible.
• Swelling of the scrotum.
• Feeling pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen.
• Nausea and/or vomiting .
• Fever after an accident.
• You may have blood in your urine (this is called `hematuria` ).
• You may feel pain when urinating (this is called `dysuria` ).

Important: If you have one or more of these symptoms, don't ignore them. See a doctor immediately.

What causes such accidents?

Accidents like this can happen for many reasons.

• Penetration (a sharp weapon such as a knife or a bullet).
• A direct blow (`blunt force`). For example, if someone kicks you, hits you with their hand, or hits you with a fast-moving ball while playing sports (such as cricket or football).
• Car accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents.
• Machinery-related accidents (e.g. for those working in factories).
• Animal bites (such as dogs).

These types of incidents can cause a minor injury, such as a small bump on the skin, or they can be so severe that the protective membrane of the testicle is torn and blood collects.

How does a doctor diagnose this condition?

When you go to see a doctor, he or she will first ask you questions about how the accident happened and what symptoms you are experiencing. Then they will do a physical exam . The doctor will then be able to check whether your testicles, the epididymis (the tube that carries sperm) and the surrounding structures are normal.

Most often, the doctor will order an ultrasound test . This is a painless, simple test that can give a clear picture of what is going on inside the scrotum.

In some severe cases, or if the condition does not improve after two days (48 hours), surgery may be necessary to determine the exact cause of the problem.

What are the treatments for this?

The treatment method varies depending on the nature and severity of the accident.

• For minor accidents:
• The doctor will tell you to rest .
• They tell you to use painkillers (like paracetamol, which you can buy at a pharmacy).
• They tell you to put ice on the injured area (about 15-20 minutes, wrapped in a cloth).
• You may be asked to use a scrotal support (or jockstrap).
• Antibiotics may be given if there is an infection or if there is a risk of infection.

If the pain and swelling do not subside within 48 hours after this treatment, you should definitely see a doctor again.

• For more serious accidents:

Injuries that involve penetrating injuries to the scrotum, degloving injuries, testicular torsion, or signs of impaired blood supply should be treated immediately. In these cases, surgery may be necessary.

Things that can be done with surgery are:

• Correcting a twisted testicle (`Testicular Torsion`) and fixing it to the scrotum to prevent it from twisting again.
• Suturing a ruptured/ruptured testicle and reattaching the covering membrane.
• Wash and clean the wound thoroughly to reduce the risk of infection.
• If a dislocated testicle cannot be put back into place manually, it can be surgically put back into place.
• Reattachment of a completely detached testicle, if possible.
• Skin grafts for degloving accidents.
• Surgery to remove one or both damaged testicles ( `Orchiectomy` ). In this case, your doctor may advise you to freeze your sperm (`sperm freezing`), with the possibility of having children in the future in mind.

What are the possible complications from these accidents or treatments?

If not treated properly, or depending on the severity of the accident, some complications may occur:

• Infections.
• The condition of not having children (`Infertility`).
• Decreased levels of the male hormone `Testosterone'.
• Urologic problems.

Can a testicular injury cause cancer?

No. There is no scientific evidence that testicular trauma causes cancer. So don't worry about it.

Can this cause sexual dysfunction?

An injury to the testicles, especially if it is not treated properly, can contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED) . A condition such as epididymitis that occurs after an injury, if it continues (chronic inflammation), can also cause ED. Also, some surgeries can temporarily cause some problems with sexual function.

How long does it take to heal?

This also varies depending on the nature of the accident.

• If it's a minor injury , you may be able to recover after resting for a day or two (24-48 hours). However, if the condition worsens or doesn't improve, be sure to see a doctor.
• If you have had a serious accident and had surgery , it can take several weeks, maybe a month, for the swelling to go down. The doctor will ask you to come back in a week or two to check on your condition.

How can we protect ourselves from such dangers?

"It's best to be careful," they say.

• If you play contact sports, it is a good idea to use an athletic supporter or guard .
• Always be aware of safety when driving, riding bicycles, motorcycles, or working with machinery.

What should I expect if I have a testicular injury?

Most of the time, testicular injuries are minor. People with these injuries recover quickly. Many people recover completely from these injuries. So don't worry. The most important thing is to seek medical advice in a timely manner.

When should I see a doctor?

In fact, if there is any danger to the testicles, even if it seems minor, it is wise to see a doctor for advice, because sometimes the damage may be more internal than it appears on the outside.

However, if you have the following symptoms, be sure to see a doctor immediately:

• If there is severe swelling in the testicles, accompanied by pain and bruising .
• If you have a fever after the accident.
• If the pain persists or gets worse. (If the pain does not subside within an hour of the accident, you should definitely see a doctor.)
• If the blood in the urine doesn't stop or increases.
• If you have difficulty urinating.
• If you have any other symptoms that make you suspicious or worried .

Remember, the testicles are located outside the body, with little protection, so they are more susceptible to injury. Some testicular injuries can be medical emergencies . So, never take something like this lightly.

Take-Home Message from What We've Discussed

So, from what we have discussed, you should have understood what a testicular trauma is, its different types, symptoms, treatments, and how to protect yourself from it. The most important thing is, if such an accident occurs, do not be ashamed, afraid, or hide it. Seek medical advice as soon as possible, that is, within a few hours. Because, with quick and correct treatment, you can avoid many long-term complications (such as infertility, hormonal problems) and recover quickly. Your health is very valuable to you, right? So take care of it.

` Testicles, Testicular Injury, Testicular Trauma, Men's Health, Swelling of the Testicles, Testicular Pain, Testicular Bruise