A ruptured testicle can occur due to a very strong blow to the scrotum that causes the outer membrane of the testicle to tea. It can lead to symptoms like very intense pain and scrotal swelling.
Normally, this type of injury affects just one testicle and is most commonly diagnosed in athletes who play high-impact sports, such as football or tennis. It can also happen due to a car accident, when the testicle is pressed against the bones in the pelvic region.
If you suspect that your testicle has ruptured, you should proceed immediately to an emergency room for assessment. The doctor may order an ultrasound to evaluate the structure in the scrotum, and advise surgical correction to repair the injury if confirmed.
Main symptoms
A ruptured testicle can lead to very intense symptoms like:
- Very severe pain in the testicles
- Scrotal swelling
- Increased sensitivity of the testicles
- Testicular bruising
- Blood in the urine;
- Uncontrollable urge to vomit
In some cases, pain can be so intense that men may faint. Symptoms are usually very detectable and hard to ignore, and therefore men should proceed immediately to a hospital for assessment.
When the rupture is identified and treated within the first few hours, there is a greater success rate for complete repair of the injury without the need for testicular removal.
Treatment options
The treatment for a ruptured testicle should be guided by a urologist. Surgery is usually indicated in all cases to stop bleeding, removed damaged tissue, and close the rupture. This ie performed under general anesthesia.
In more serious cases, the testicle can be severely damaged and, therefore, before starting surgery, the doctor will first ask for authorization to remove the testicle if deemed necessary.
Post-op recovery
After surgery for a ruptured testicle, it is necessary to have a small drain in the scrotum. This is a thin tube that is placed to help remove excess fluid and blood and prevent it from accumulating in the area during healing. This drain is normally removed 24 hours before the patient is discharged home.
Once discharged, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection, and anti-inflammatories to help manage swelling and pain. Bed rest is essential for a speedy recovery, while cold compresses can be applied throughout the day.
The doctor will typically schedule a follow-up consultation about one month after the surgery to assess healing and offer more guidelines to promote healing.