Scrotal Pain in Children

Scrotal pain in children is relatively rare, but it causes intense symptoms. The scrotum is the sac that contains the testicles. Due to the extreme sensitivity of the testes, the slightest injury to the area is often very painful to a male of any age. Your son should let you know immediately when he is suffering from scrotal pain.

CAUSES

A variety of factors cause scrotal pain in children. Testicular injury on the whole is not common, but getting kicked in the groin during sports is a common cause of scrotal pain in boys. Viral or bacterial infection of the testicles induces scrotal pain in some males; a condition called testicular torsion is another cause. Testicular torsion is the twisting of the spermatic cord, the organ in which blood vessels and sperm-carrying cord are contained.

TREATMENT

Home treatment for your son's scrotal pain includes icing the scrotum or taking a warm bath to relieve discomfort. Give your child a rolled up towel or face cloth to place under his scrotum at bedtime; the added support eases the pain. Infections that are bacterial in nature often require the administration of antibiotics. Testicular torsion is treated through surgery to untwist the spermatic cord.

PREVENTION

Prevent testicular injuries by the proper fitting of an athletic supporter or athletic cup. An athletic cup or jock strap should fit snugly against the body to provide support for your son's scrotal sac and testicles. Wearing a support is especially important if your child plays a contact sport such as football, soccer or hockey.

source

CONSIDERATIONS

Scrotal pain caused by testicular torsion is considered a medical emergency and must be cared for immediately. Torsion that is not released cuts off the blood supply to the testicle, possibly causing necrosis or death to the tissues. Delayed treatment of testicular torsion can impair a boy's future fertility.