Testicle Injuries and Conditions in Grand Rapids, MI

There are many non-cancerous conditions and injuries that can affect the testicles. Because the testicles are not protected by muscle or bone, they are vulnerable to trauma — especially during sports, work, or winter activities that are common around Grand Rapids and West Michigan.

If you live in Grand Rapids, MI or the surrounding Kent County area, it’s important to know when testicle pain or swelling is an emergency and where to go for help, such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or local urgent care and emergency departments.

Why Prompt Medical Attention Matters

Any new testicular pain, swelling, or lump should be taken seriously. Some conditions, such as testicular torsion, are surgical emergencies. Delaying care can lead to permanent damage or loss of a testicle.

If you have sudden, severe testicle pain in Grand Rapids:

  • Call 911, or
  • Go immediately to the nearest emergency department (for example, Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital).

Do not wait to see if the pain goes away.

Testicle Anatomy: The Basics

Testicles (also called testes, or “balls”) are two small, oval-shaped male sex glands located in the scrotum, the loose sac of skin that hangs below the penis. They:

  • Produce sperm
  • Produce male sex hormones (mainly testosterone)

Key structures include:

  • Tunica albuginea – the tough, fibrous outer covering of each testicle
  • Scrotum – the skin sac that holds the testicles outside the body
  • Spermatic cord – contains the blood vessels, nerves, and vas deferens (sperm tube) that connect each testicle to the body

Because sperm production requires a temperature about 2°C lower than normal body temperature, the testicles are located outside the body in the scrotum.

Testicular Torsion: A Medical Emergency

Testicular torsion happens when the spermatic cord twists, cutting off blood flow to the testicle. This condition:

  • Can occur at any age
  • Is most common from puberty through the mid-20s
  • Requires urgent surgery to save the testicle

In West Michigan, torsion is a common reason young men and teen boys present to local emergency rooms, especially after sports or physical activity.

Causes of Testicular Torsion

Testicular torsion can be triggered by:

  • Hard physical activity or sudden movement
  • Minor injury
  • Sleeping or resting (it can occur without any obvious trigger)

Most often, torsion occurs because of an underlying anatomical difference that allows the testicle to move or rotate too freely within the scrotum.

Symptoms of Testicular Torsion

Common symptoms include:

  • Sudden, severe testicle pain (usually on one side)
  • Swelling of the scrotum
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • One testicle sitting higher or at an odd angle
  • Pain in the lower abdomen or groin

These symptoms can look similar to testicular infection, but torsion must be ruled out first. Infection should not be assumed until a doctor has checked for torsion.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Testicular Torsion in Grand Rapids

How Torsion Is Diagnosed

A doctor (often an ER physician or urologist) may use:

  • Physical examination of the scrotum and testicles
  • Ultrasound with Doppler to check blood flow to the testicle

Sometimes, the diagnosis can only be confirmed during surgical exploration.

Why Time Is Critical

  • The best chance to save the testicle is if surgery is done within 4–6 hours of symptom onset.
  • After this window, the chance of permanent damage rises sharply.
  • Unnecessary delays for tests should be avoided if torsion is strongly suspected.

If blood flow has been cut off too long, the testicle may not be salvageable and might need to be removed.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is usually done under general anesthesia and involves:

  • Untwisting the spermatic cord and restoring blood flow
  • Securing (fixing) the affected testicle to prevent future torsion
  • Securing the other testicle as well, to reduce the risk of torsion on that side

If the twisted testicle cannot be saved, it is removed. Later, a prosthetic (silicone) testicle can be placed for cosmetic reasons if desired.

Torsion of the Appendix Testicle

The appendix testicle is a small, leftover tissue structure at the upper part of the testicle. It does not have a known function.

Torsion of the appendix testicle occurs when this small structure twists and loses its blood supply. It can mimic testicular torsion, but:

  • Pain usually develops more slowly
  • A small “blue dot” may be visible through the scrotal skin — this is the darkened, twisted appendix testicle

Surgery is often needed to correct the problem and relieve pain, but the testicle itself is not at risk in this condition.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is an abnormal growth (tumor) that usually appears as a:

  • Hard, painless lump in one testicle
  • Change in size, shape, or firmness of a testicle

If diagnosed early, testicular cancer is one of the most curable cancers in men.

Treatment

The first treatment is typically surgical removal of the affected testicle (orchidectomy). Additional treatments (such as chemotherapy or radiation) may be recommended depending on the cancer type and stage.

Men in Grand Rapids should perform regular testicular self-exams and see a healthcare provider promptly if they notice any new lump or change.

Other Common Testicular Conditions

Several other non-cancerous conditions can affect the testicles and surrounding structures.

Epididymitis

The epididymis is a tightly coiled tube at the back of each testicle that:

  • Collects and stores sperm
  • Helps sperm mature

Epididymitis is inflammation and infection of the epididymis. Causes include:

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Sexually transmissible infections (STIs), such as chlamydia or gonorrhea

Symptoms:

  • Gradual onset of testicular or scrotal pain
  • Swelling and tenderness
  • Possible fever or burning with urination

Treatment:

  • Antibiotics
  • Pain relief
  • Rest, scrotal support, and sometimes ice packs

When both the epididymis and testicle are inflamed, the condition is called epididymo-orchitis and is treated similarly with antibiotics.

In Grand Rapids, STI-related epididymitis is often diagnosed in sexually active men. Testing and treatment are available through local clinics, including the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids public health clinics.

Varicocele (Varicose Veins of the Scrotum)

A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins that drain blood from the testicle, similar to varicose veins in the legs. About 10–15% of men have a varicocele.

When standing, blood must travel upward against gravity to return to the heart. Valves in the veins help prevent backflow. If these valves don’t work properly:

  • Blood pools in the veins
  • The veins enlarge and may become twisted and more visible

Symptoms:

  • A dull ache or heaviness in the scrotum
  • A “bag of worms” feeling above the testicle
  • Often more noticeable when standing or during hot Michigan summer days

Most varicoceles do not need treatment unless they:

  • Cause discomfort
  • Are linked to fertility problems
  • Affect testicle growth in adolescents

Treatment options:

  • Surgical repair (varicocelectomy)
  • Radiological procedures (embolization) to block affected veins and reroute blood flow

Haematocele

A haematocele is a collection of blood around the testicle, usually caused by:

  • Trauma or injury to the scrotum
  • Sports injuries (for example, a direct hit during hockey, football, or basketball)

Sometimes the body will reabsorb the blood on its own. If it does not:

  • Surgery may be needed to remove the clot and repair any damage

Hydrocele

A hydrocele is an abnormal buildup of clear fluid around the testicle, causing swelling of the scrotum.

Key points:

  • Often painless
  • May become quite large and uncomfortable over time
  • Sometimes the fluid reabsorbs on its own

If the hydrocele continues to grow or causes discomfort, surgical removal of the fluid and sac may be recommended.

Spermatocele

A spermatocele is a fluid-filled cyst next to the epididymis that often contains sperm. It:

  • Feels like a separate, smooth lump on the testicle
  • Is usually painless and harmless
  • Is more common after a vasectomy

Spermatoceles do not become cancerous. They can be removed surgically if they become large or bothersome.

Undescended Testicles

An undescended testicle occurs when one or both testicles fail to move down into the scrotum before birth and remain in the lower abdomen or groin.

  • More common in premature or low-birth-weight newborn boys
  • Usually diagnosed in infancy or early childhood

Undescended testicles are associated with:

  • Increased risk of testicular cancer
  • Higher risk of infertility later in life

If the testicle is not brought down into the scrotum (typically by surgery, called orchiopexy) by about 12 months of age, there is a higher risk of long-term damage to sperm production.

Parents in Grand Rapids should make sure their child’s pediatrician checks for testicle position during routine visits and follow up with a pediatric urologist if needed.

Trauma and Injuries to the Testicles

Because they are exposed and not protected by bone or thick muscle, testicles are easily injured. In Grand Rapids, common causes include:

  • Sports injuries (football, soccer, hockey, baseball, basketball)
  • Bicycle or scooter accidents
  • Falls on ice during Michigan’s long, icy winters
  • Work-related injuries or blunt trauma

Types of injuries include:

  • Impact from an immovable object (for example, hitting a bike frame or a fall onto a hard surface)
  • Impact from a moving object (for example, a kick, ball, or puck to the testicles)
  • Penetrating injuries (such as a bite or stab wound)

Evaluation and Treatment

A doctor may:

  • Examine the scrotum and testicles
  • Order an ultrasound to look for internal damage

If the testicles appear normal and there is no sign of torsion, the doctor may recommend:

  • Pain-relief medication
  • Rest and scrotal support
  • Ice packs for short periods

However, if there is concern for testicular torsion or significant injury, a surgeon may still choose to explore the testicle surgically, even without ultrasound confirmation.

Severe injuries may require:

  • Surgical repair of damaged tissue
  • Removal of the affected testicle if it cannot be saved

Most men maintain normal fertility with one healthy testicle.

Reducing the Risk of Testicular Problems

You can lower your risk of testicular injuries and some conditions by taking simple precautions:

Prevent Trauma

  • Wear a protective cup or jockstrap during contact or high-impact sports.
  • Drive safely and always wear a seatbelt.
  • Use appropriate safety equipment at work and during outdoor activities.

Protect Against Infections and STIs

  • Use condoms consistently and correctly during sexual activity.
  • Get regular STI screening if you are sexually active, especially with new or multiple partners.
  • Seek prompt care at your primary care provider, urologist, or local STI clinic (such as Kent County Health Department clinics) if you have burning with urination, discharge, or genital pain.

Perform Testicular Self-Exams (TSE)

Regular testicular self-examination (TSE) helps you notice changes early:

  • Check your testicles monthly, ideally after a warm shower.
  • Feel each testicle gently between your fingers and thumb.
  • Look for new lumps, changes in size, shape, or heaviness.

If you’re unsure how to perform TSE, ask your Grand Rapids primary care provider or urologist for guidance.

When to Seek Medical Help in Grand Rapids

Seek urgent medical care if you experience:

  • Sudden, severe testicle or scrotal pain
  • Rapid swelling of the scrotum
  • Nausea and vomiting with testicle pain
  • A testicle that appears higher than usual or at an odd angle

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department (e.g., Spectrum Health Butterworth, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or Metro Health).

Make an appointment with your primary care provider or urologist if you notice:

  • A new lump or swelling in the testicle
  • A dull ache or heaviness in the scrotum
  • Persistent pain or discomfort
  • Changes in testicle size or firmness

Local resources in Grand Rapids and Kent County include:

  • Hospital emergency departments
  • Primary care clinics (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, Mercy Health)
  • Urology specialists throughout West Michigan
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids public health clinics for STI testing and sexual health services

Key Points

  • Testicles are prone to injury because they are not protected by muscle or bone.
  • Any sudden testicular pain or swelling is an emergency until proven otherwise.
  • Testicular torsion is most common from puberty to the mid-20s and requires urgent surgery.
  • Symptoms of torsion can include severe pain, swelling, nausea, and vomiting.
  • Many testicular conditions are treatable or curable if you seek prompt medical care.

If you live in Grand Rapids, MI, do not ignore testicular pain, swelling, or lumps. Early evaluation by a local healthcare provider or emergency department can protect your health, fertility, and, in some cases, save your life.