Could This Be Testicular Torsion? Symptoms That Require Emergency Care

Question

I am a student about to enter my first year of high school. I have previously experienced testicular torsion that resolved on its own—once at dawn and once while traveling abroad. When it was mild, I could feel it while sitting.

However, this time it feels different when I touch it. In the past, it would become swollen and feel twisted like a screw, but now it feels like it is twisted in multiple directions. It has been about an hour, and there is no pain at the moment.

Ryu Kyung-ho · Accepted Answer

Hello, this is Dr. Ryu Kyung-ho from Goldman Urology Clinic, Gangnam Branch.

You mentioned that you have previously experienced testicular torsion that resolved on its own, and now you are feeling a different type of discomfort, which understandably raises concern. Testicular torsion is an emergency condition in which blood flow to the testicle is compromised. Even if the pain is not severe, any change in the position or shape of the testicle compared to usual should be carefully evaluated.

The reason your current pain may not be severe could be that this is not a complete torsion, but rather a partial torsion, or that blood flow is temporarily maintained.

However, if you feel as though the testicle is twisted in multiple directions, this may indicate that the supporting structures of the testicle are weakened, making it more susceptible to torsion at any time.

Repeated episodes of torsion can lead to damage of the testicular tissue, so it is important to assess blood flow through imaging studies such as ultrasound when symptoms occur. Especially in adolescents, testicular health is very important, so it is safer to undergo evaluation for any structural issues regardless of the level of pain.

At our urology clinic, each branch is equipped with extensive clinical experience. We carefully evaluate each patient’s symptoms and overall health to provide accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.

Identifying the exact cause is the first step toward effective treatment, so if your symptoms persist, we recommend visiting a urology clinic for proper evaluation.

We hope this information is helpful. Thank you.