Scrotum, its problems

The scrotum is the sac of skin that hangs from the body at the front of the pelvis between the legs. It sits next to the upper thighs, just below the penis.

The scrotum contains the testicles. These are two oval-shaped glands responsible for producing and storing sperm.

They also produce several hormones, the main one being testosterone.The scrotum hangs outside the body because it needs to maintain a slightly lower temperature than the rest of the body. This lower temperature helps to maintain sperm production.

Scrotal tissues help protect the structures inside the testicles, where sperm and important hormones are produced.

In addition, the scrotum protects the testicles and major blood vessels, as well as tubes that release sperm from the testicles into the penis for ejaculation.

Anatomy, function

The scrotum is a sac of skin divided in two parts by the perineal raphe, which looks like a line down the middle of the scrotum.

The raphe joins the internal septum with the scrotum. The septum splits the scrotal sac into two parts with similar anatomy. Each side of the scrotum usually consists of a testicle. 

Each testicle produces hormones with the help of parts of the brain like the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

They also contain tubules and cells that produce sperm, or spermatozoa. Sperms are transferred from the testicle to the epididymis.

Conditions affecting scrotum

Many conditions can affect your scrotum and its contents. Here is a list of some of the most common ones.

An Inguinal hernia happens when part of your small intestine pokes through an opening in your abdominal wall into your scrotum.

Some inguinal hernias follow the path of the spermatic cord into the scrotum, while others stay outside it.

Symptoms of an inguinal hernia can include bulging or swelling around your pubic area that feels like its aching or burning uncomfortable groin sensation or pain when you cough, laugh, or bend, overheaviness around your groin area, an enlarged scrotum.

Some inguinal hernias can be dangerous if left untreated. You may need surgery to repair inguinal hernia and prevent tissue death due to lack of blood flow.

A Hydrocele happens when excess fluid builds up in the cavities around one of your testicles. This is sometimes present at birth, but it can also result from an injury or inflammation.

Hydrocele symptoms include scrotal swelling that gets more noticeable as the day goes on, dull ache in your scrotum, feeling of heaviness in your scrotum.

Hydroceles usually don’t require treatment unless they’re very large or painful. Most go away on their own, but more severe cases might require surgical repair.

A Varicocele is a swollen collection of veins in your scrotum. It doesn’t always cause symptoms. When it does, symptoms include a dull, aching pain in your scrotum, pain that gets worse throughout the day, pain that starts to go away when you lie down, a scrotum that may feel like a “bag of worms”.

You can have a varicocele in your entire life and never need treatment. However, they can sometimes cause infertility or testicular shrinkage, so it’s best to have it checked out by your doctor.

A Spermatocele, or spermatic cyst, happens when a fluid-filled sac forms in the epididymis.

These cysts aren’t cancerous or life-threatening but they can cause pain and discomfort if they’re large.

Larger, more painful spermatoceles may need to be removed with surgery.

Testicular torsion

Testicular torsion means that your testicle has rotated in the scrotum. This twisting of the spermatic cord cuts off blood supply, nerve function, and sperm transport to your testicle.

This condition is considered a medical emergency.

Symptoms of testicular torsion include severe scrotum pain and swelling, testicle swelling, lower abdomen pain, nausea and vomiting, testicle feeling higher or out of place, urinating more than usual.

Seek emergency medical care for any of these symptoms.Several things may increase the risk of testicular torsion.

They include injury to the scrotum, exercising too long or hard, free movement of the testicle in the scrotum caused by a genetic condition.

Testicular torsion occurs more frequently in young children, teens, and young adults. Your doctor can temporarily treat testicular torsion by repositioning the testicle by hand.

However, it frequently reoccurs. Experts recommend trusted source surgery to permanently fix the problem, ideally within 12 hours from the start of symptoms.

Epididymitis

Epididymitis happens when the epididymis becomes infected or inflamed. It’s often the result of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea.

Symptoms of epididymitis can include scrotum or testicle pain or tenderness, warmness or redness in your scrotum, unusual fluid coming from your penis, frequent or painful urination, bloody semen, fever.

Depending on the type of infection, you may need to take antibiotics or antiviral medication.

Orchitis

Orchitis refers to an infected or inflamed testicle. Like epididymitis, orchitis often results from an infection caused by an STI.

Other causes can include tuberculosis, viruses like mumps, fungi, and parasites, along with other diseases that lead to inflammation.

Orchitis symptoms include:testicular pain and tenderness, swollen testicle, fever, nausea, vomiting, feeling significantly ill.

Treatment depends on the cause. Ultrasound of the scrotum and testicles can help determine the diagnosis and severity of the condition.

Serious infections may require hospitalisation or surgery.

Testicular cancer

Testicular Cancer happens when cells abnormally multiply within the tissue of your testicles. It commonly starts in the cells that make sperm.

The cause of testicular cancer isn’t always clear. According to the American Cancer Society testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in males between the ages of 15 and 44.

Symptoms of testicular cancer can include: lump in your testicle, feeling of scrotum heaviness, fluid build up in your scrotum, testicular pain abdomen or back pain, swollen or tender breast tissue.

Treatment depends on your stage of cancer.

Sometimes, your doctor will surgically remove the testicle.

Radiation therapy or chemotherapy may also be part of the treatment plan. Stem cell transplant may also be used.

See your doctor if you notice any of the following common symptoms in your scrotum, testicles, or genital area: mild or severe pain that lasts a long time, groin pain with activity, swollen areas etc.

Also see your doctor if you notice pain in your lower abdomen or back, or extra breast tissue growth.

Tips

Here are some lifestyle tips for keeping your scrotum in good health. Do a monthly testicular self-exam. Bathe regularly. 

Keep your penis and scrotal area dry after bathing. Moisture trapped in the area can quickly become a breeding ground for fungus.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Try to avoid wearing tight underwear and pants. Allow your scrotum to hang naturally from your body to help keep the scrotal temperature low and prevent injury.

Wear protection when you have sex. Wear a condom when doing any kind of sexual activity involving your penis.

This helps to prevent sexually transmitted infections that affect your scrotum and testicles, as well as your partner. Trim instead of shaving. 

If hair management is important to you, trimming rather than shaving or other complete hair removal systems is least likely to cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, trauma, or infections.