Testicular trauma
| Testicular trauma | |
|---|---|
| Classification and external resources | |
| eMedicine | med/2859 radio/682 |
Testicular trauma is an injury to one or both testicles. Types of injuries include blunt, penetrating and degloving.
Because the testes are located within the scrotum, which hangs outside of the body, they do not have the protection of muscles and bones. This makes it easier for a testis to be struck, hit, kicked or crushed, which occurs most often during contact sports.[citation needed] Testicles can be protected by wearing athletic cups during sports.
Trauma to the testis can cause severe pain, bruising, and/or swelling. In most cases, the testis—which is spongy—can absorb some impact without serious damage. A rare type of testicular trauma, called testicular rupture, occurs when the testicle receives a direct blow or is squeezed against the hard bones of the pelvis. This injury can cause blood to leak into the scrotum. In severe cases, surgery to repair the rupture—and thus save the testicle—may be necessary.