What is irritable bowel syndrome? Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disease that affects the digestive system. This condition causes symptoms such as, abdominal pain and cramping, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. These problems usually come and go over time and can last for days, weeks, or months. Irritable bowel syndrome can cause straining during bowel movements, and in men this can affect the testicles, causing a dull or burning pain. Treatment may include pain medication, pelvic floor exercises, and surgery. Does irritable bowel syndrome cause testicular pain? According to a 2023 scientific report, irritable bowel syndrome is a risk factor for testicular pain. This means that patients with this syndrome have a higher risk of developing testicular pain. Scientists remain uncertain about the link between irritable bowel syndrome and testicular pain. Testicular pain is unlikely to be a symptom of this disease, but it is possible to be a complication of it. Irritable bowel syndrome could be the cause of testicular pain in the following ways: Muscle strain When the condition leads to periods of constipation, it can cause straining to go to the toilet. This strain can potentially cause damage to the testicles, leading to pain. Varicocele Specialists define varicocele as enlarged veins in the scrotum. Research shows that this condition can cause pain in the testicles. However, it remains unclear exactly why varicocele develops in irritable bowel syndrome. There is no clear link between varicocele and irritable bowel syndrome. However, an older study from 2011 concluded that chronic constipation is a facilitating factor in the development of varicocele, but no recent research supports this thesis. Hernia Straining during bowel movements can cause an inguinal hernia, when some of the fatty or intestinal tissue passes through a weakness in the abdominal wall in the groin area. Surgery to treat an inguinal hernia can cause pain in the testicles. However, experts believe that a hernia is not directly related to irritable bowel syndrome. Other Causes of Testicular Pain Testicular pain occurs for many reasons, including: Spermatocele; Infection; Trauma; Tumor; Fibrous formations on the testicles; Lower back problem; Inflammation of the blood vessels in the testicles; Pain after vasectomy; Pelvic floor problems. Less commonly, testicular pain can occur from diabetes, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and overactive bladder. What are the accompanying symptoms of testicular pain? Pain in the testicles may have the following characteristics: Worse with sitting, sexual activity and exercise; Occurs only when there is some pressure on the testicles; Occurs only when walking or stooping; It is often dull or burning.Pain in the testicles can also present with pain in other parts of the body. How is the cause of testicular pain diagnosed? In order to diagnose the cause of pain in the testicles, it is possible to appoint the following tests: Urine test; Examination of seminal fluid; Ultrasound of the testicles; Less commonly, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan. Diagnosing the cause of testicular pain can be challenging. On average, men with chronic testicular pain need about five to seven diagnostic sessions before doctors identify the cause of the problem. What is the treatment for testicular pain? There are many possible treatments for testicular pain, depending on the underlying cause of the problem. The following treatments may help relieve pain: Applying warming or cooling therapies; Antibiotics; Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; Antidepressants; Anticonvulsants; Pelvic floor physiotherapy; Psychotherapy. In some cases, surgical treatment may be necessary to address the underlying cause of the pain. When should medical attention be sought for testicular pain? Any man with persistent testicular pain should seek medical advice. Pain in the testicles can be an indicator of a serious condition that requires immediate treatment. If you experience testicular pain and any of the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention: Increased heart rate; Fever; Strong pain; Blood in the urine; Change in the color of the skin of the scrotum. The prognosis for testicular pain varies depending on the underlying cause of the problem. Although pain can be unpleasant, it does not always indicate a serious condition. References: 1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Leslie SW, et al. (2023). Varicocele 2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Kilciler G, et al. (2011). Chronic constipation: Facilitator factor for development of varicocele 3. National Health Service (NHS). Overview: Inguinal hernia repair 4. Medical News Today. Can IBS cause testicle pain?Application of warming or cooling therapies; Antibiotics; Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; Antidepressants; Anticonvulsants; Pelvic floor physiotherapy; Psychotherapy. In some cases, surgical treatment may be necessary to address the underlying cause of the pain. When should medical attention be sought for testicular pain? Any man with persistent testicular pain should seek medical advice. Pain in the testicles can be an indicator of a serious condition that requires immediate treatment. When experiencing pain in the testicles and any of the following symptoms, medical help should be sought immediately: Increased heart rate; Fever; Strong pain; Blood in the urine; Change in the color of the skin of the scrotum. The prognosis for testicular pain varies depending on the underlying cause of the problem. Although pain can be unpleasant, it does not always indicate a serious condition. References: 1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Leslie SW, et al. (2023). Varicocele 2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Kilciler G, et al. (2011). Chronic constipation: Facilitator factor for development of varicocele 3. National Health Service (NHS). Overview: Inguinal hernia repair 4. Medical News Today. Can IBS cause testicle pain?Application of warming or cooling therapies; Antibiotics; Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; Antidepressants; Anticonvulsants; Pelvic floor physiotherapy; Psychotherapy. In some cases, surgical treatment may be necessary to address the underlying cause of the pain. When should medical attention be sought for testicular pain? Any man with persistent testicular pain should seek medical advice. Pain in the testicles can be an indicator of a serious condition that requires immediate treatment. When experiencing pain in the testicles and any of the following symptoms, medical help should be sought immediately: Increased heart rate; Fever; Strong pain; Blood in the urine; Change in the color of the skin of the scrotum. The prognosis for testicular pain varies depending on the underlying cause of the problem. Although pain can be unpleasant, it does not always indicate a serious condition. References: 1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Leslie SW, et al. (2023). Varicocele 2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Kilciler G, et al. (2011). Chronic constipation: Facilitator factor for development of varicocele 3. National Health Service (NHS). Overview: Inguinal hernia repair 4. Medical News Today. Can IBS cause testicle pain?