What causes a slight distension and pain in the testicles?

    Slight distension and pain in the testicles may be caused by vigorous exercise, external injuries, frequent sexual activity, epididymitis, or varicocele. Appropriate management can be selected based on specific circumstances. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended to avoid delaying treatment.

    1. Vigorous exercise: Prolonged high-intensity activities, such as long-distance running or intense fitness training, may cause excessive contraction of the cremaster muscle, leading to poor local blood circulation in the testicles and resulting in distension and pain. Exercise should be gradually increased in intensity to avoid sudden vigorous activity. After exercising, appropriate relaxation and gentle massage of the testicular area can help promote blood circulation.

    2. External injuries: During daily activities, accidental collisions while cycling or blows from external forces can directly injure the testicles, causing distension and pain. The injured area often has noticeable tenderness and may be accompanied by localized bruising. Immediate cold compresses should be applied after injury to reduce swelling and pain, followed by warm compresses after 72 hours to promote absorption of bruising. Resting as much as possible and minimizing physical activity are also recommended.

    3. Frequent sexual activity: Engaging in sexual activity multiple times within a short period can cause repeated congestion of the genital organs, keeping the testicles in a constant state of tension, which may lead to distension and pain. A feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen is often present. It is important to maintain a reasonable frequency of sexual activity, allowing sufficient recovery time for the body, and to maintain hygiene before and after sexual activity.

    4. Epididymitis: Often caused by the spread of a urinary system infection to the epididymis, resulting in inflammation that causes testicular distension and pain. Pain may radiate to the groin area and is commonly accompanied by epididymal swelling and fever. Patients may take medications such as cefixime capsules, levofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, and Re Lian Qing granules under a doctor's guidance to alleviate symptoms.

    5. Varicocele: Abnormal elongation, dilation, and tortuosity of the pampiniform venous plexus within the spermatic cord can impair testicular blood return, leading to testicular distension and pain. Symptoms worsen after prolonged standing or physical activity and improve with bed rest. It is recommended to follow medical advice and take medications such as Venoruton tablets, Diosmin tablets, and Ruscus aculeatus extract tablets to relieve discomfort.

    In daily life, it is recommended to avoid prolonged sitting and to stand up and move regularly to improve local blood circulation. Additionally, engaging in appropriate physical exercise can enhance overall physical fitness.

    References:

    [1] You Xujun, Zhou Jun. Chinese Expert Consensus on Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment and Health Management for Chronic Epididymitis [J]. National Journal of Andrology, 2024, 30(09): 848-853. DOI: 10.13263/j.cnki.nja.2024.09.012.

    [2] Wang Quansheng, Dai Yutian. Guidelines for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment of Varicocele [J]. Chinese Journal of Human Sexuality, 2025, 34(02): 1-7.