It's the opposite for people with ovaries, with the ovaries developing first on the left. This article explains testicle anatomy, unusual symptoms to watch out for, and conditions that affect the testicles.
Often, different-sized testicles are not an indication of a problem. However, the following may be signs of something more serious:. If you notice that one testicle is bigger than the other and experience pain in either testicle, notify your healthcare provider immediately. Being familiar with the testes' standard shape, appearance, and feel will help you notice when a change occurs. Normal anatomy includes:.
You should perform a testicular self-exam monthly. To do a testicular self-examination, follow these steps:. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following:. There are some common conditions involving lumps, pain, or swelling of the testicles. These are usually are not life-threatening, but they do require medical attention. They include:. Testicular torsion is a medical emergency. Getting medical treatment within the first hours of a problem has the highest chance of saving the testicle.
These symptoms may feel scary or embarrassing, but don't let that stop you from seeing your healthcare provider. It's essential to get checked out quickly so that your symptoms do not become worse. Performing monthly self-examinations is an important part of finding testicular cancer early. Symptoms of testicular cancer include:.
If you experience a change in size, shape, or appearance or notice pain in your testes, notify your healthcare provider immediately. A scrotal ultrasound is a diagnostic exam that can identify structural changes of the testes. It can help your healthcare provider identify things like varicoceles, cysts, and testicular cancer. Having one testicle that is slightly larger than the other is entirely normal.
However, swelling, pain, redness, and lumps are not. Doing monthly self-exams is an excellent way to watch for changes in your testicles that could indicate a problem. If you notice any changes, it's a good idea to see your healthcare provider to rule out any issues. The symptoms are often the result of a less serious condition.
Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Testicular asymmetry in healthy adolescent boys. BJU Int. If this pain follows an injury, it may subside then suddenly return. Testicular torsion is severe and should be treated as an emergency. The twisting of the cord can reduce or block blood flow to the testicle, and without treatment the testicle may need to be removed. Cancerous cells can appear and multiply in the testicle.
A doctor should investigate lumps or new growths in the area as soon as possible. According to the American Cancer Society, testicular cancer is uncommon, developing in about 1 in males. It is most prevalent in young and middle-aged men and can usually be treated successfully. If any of the following symptoms occur with an enlarged testicle, seek medical attention as soon as possible:.
A doctor will help to identify the underlying cause by examining the scrotum and testicles for lumps or abnormalities. If they suspect testicular cancer, they will take a blood test and ask about family history.
Treatment for differently sized testicles depends on the cause. Below are common underlying conditions and their treatments. If chlamydia is the cause of epididymitis, a doctor will usually prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat the infection, and may recommend elevating the scrotum to reduce swelling.
If an STI is causing orchitis, a doctor will usually prescribe medication to fight the infection. Common medications include ceftriaxone Rocephin or azithromycin Zithromax. Painkillers and an ice pack may help to relieve discomfort. Testicular torsion. Testicular torsion requires treatment as soon as possible. A doctor may be able to untwist the testicle, in a procedure called manual detorsion, but surgery is often necessary to prevent reoccurrence.
A delay in treatment increases the likelihood that the twisted testicle will need to be removed. Testicular cancer. A doctor may recommend removing the testicle where the cancer is present. Radiation therapy , chemotherapy , or a combination may help to reduce or destroy cancer cells. If the cancer has spread, or if it originated in another part of the body, additional treatments and surgeries may be necessary.
It is very important to monitor the size and shape of testicles so that any change can be detected. Perform a self-examination once a month.
Be on the lookout for lumps, growths, pain, swelling, and other abnormalities. This website uses cookies to personalize your content including ads , and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here.
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Maja Begovic, Jul 31 It's normal to have testicles that aren't the same size. Dear Asking For A Friend,.
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