Man with 1 Testicle: Causes, Challenges, and Solutions

It is normal for one testicle to be bigger than the other, as people do come across men with 1 testicle. The right testicle does tend to be bigger. A particular testicle usually hangs a little lower than the other within the scrotum.

One’s testicles should never feel painful, and in case a particular testicle is bigger, it should not be a completely different shape. Consult the doctor if noticing that either testicle suddenly hurts or is not the same shape as the other. The issue is the man with 1 testicle, which needs to be addressed medically.

How do you know if a particular testicle is bigger than the other?

No matter which testicle is bigger, as the possibility of a man with one testicle is there, the bigger testicle will only be larger by a small margin, say, about half a teaspoonful. A person needs to feel any pain when he sits, stands, or even moves around. There should not be any redness or swelling, even if the affected testicle is bigger.

Causes of a testicle to be bigger

Possible causes of an enlarged testicle are:

Epididymitis

This is inflammation of the epididymis. It is usually the result of an infection and a common symptom of chlamydia, a sexually transmitted infection (STI). See the doctor if noticing any abnormal pain, burning when urinating, or discharging from one’s

penis along with inflammation.

Epididymal cyst

This is a growth in the epididymis that is caused by excess fluid. It is harmless and does not need any treatment.

Orchitis

Orchitis is testicle inflammation caused by infections or the virus that causes mumps.

Hydrocele

A hydrocele is indeed fluid buildup around one’s testicle that can cause swelling.

Man with 1 Testicle: Causes, Challenges, and Solutions

Varicocele

Varicoceles are enlarged veins within the scrotum. They can lead to a low sperm count.

Testicular torsion

Twisting of the spermatic cord can rather occur when the testicle rotates too much. This can slow or even perhaps stop blood flow from one’s body to the testicle. Seeing the doctor if feeling persistent testicular pain after an injury or pain that does not go away and comes back without warning needs attention.

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer occurs when cancerous cells build up in one’s testicle. See the doctor right away if you notice any lumps or new growths around the testicles.

When should to see the doctor?

See the doctor if having the following symptoms:

  • Pain.
  • Swelling.
  • Redness.
  • Discharge from the penis.
  • Difficulty urinating.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Pain in other parts of your body, such as your back or lower abdomen.
  • Breast enlargement or tenderness.
Treatment

At times, treatment is not necessary. But if faced with other symptoms or do have a serious underlying condition, the doctor will work with a person to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment plans:
Epididymitis

If having chlamydia, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic, like azithromycin (Zithromax) or doxycycline (Oracea). The doctor can drain pus to relieve swelling and infection.

Orchitis

If orchitis is indeed caused by an STI, the doctor will likely prescribe ceftriaxone (Rocephin) and also azithromycin (Zithromax) to fight the infection. The affected person can use ibuprofen (Advil) and a cold pack to relieve pain and swelling.

Testicular torsion

The doctor may perhaps be able to push on the testicle to untwist it. This is known as manual detorsion. Surgery is usually required to prevent torsion from happening again. The longer the wait after a torsion to get treatment, the higher the chance that the testicle will need to be removed.

Testicular cancer

One’s doctor can surgically remove the testicle if it contains cancerous cells.

Conclusion

There is no need to worry about having asymmetrical testicles. But if noticing any new pain, redness, or lumps around one’s testicles, see the doctor right away for a diagnosis. An infection, torsion, or cancer does require being treated quickly to prevent complications.