The testicle is divided into parts called lobules. Each lobule contains tiny U-shaped tubes called seminiferous tubules. There are about 800 seminiferous tubules tightly coiled within each testicle. The seminiferous tubules open into a series of uncoiled, interconnected channels called the rete testis.
The structures contained in the scrotal sac are the external spermatic fascia, testes, epididymis, and spermatic cord. Function: The scrotum is responsible for protecting the testes. It helps with the thermoregulation of the testicles.
In a guy who has reached sexual maturity, the two oval-shaped testicles, or testes (TESS-teez) make and store millions of tiny sperm cells. The testicles are also part of the endocrine system because they make hormones, including testosterone (tess-TOSS-tuh-rone).
Common causes of testicle pain include: Injury. Infection or swelling of the sperm ducts (epididymitis) or testicles (orchitis). Twisting of the testicles that can cut off the blood supply (testicular torsion).
The testicles are very sensitive, and even a minor injury can cause testicle pain or discomfort. Pain might arise from within the testicle itself or from the coiled tube and supporting tissue behind the testicle (epididymis).
All males have a cremaster muscle (a thin pouch-like muscle in which a testicle rests). When the cremaster muscle contracts (tightens), it pulls the testicle upward toward the body; this is known as the cremasteric reflex. The cremasteric reflex is brought on by such things as cold, touch, and anxiety.
Most often, the first symptom of testicular cancer is a lump on the testicle, or the testicle becomes swollen or larger. (It's normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other, and for one to hang lower than the other.) Some testicular tumors might cause pain, but most of the time they don't.
Stage 1 is the earliest stage of testicular cancer. The cancer is only in the testicle and hasn't spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs. Stage 1 is split into stage 1A and 1B depending on the size of the tumour. Stage 1S means you have raised levels of markers in your blood after surgery.
A painless lump or swelling on either testicle. If found early, a testicular tumor may be about the size of a pea or a marble, but it can grow much larger. Pain, discomfort, or numbness in a testicle or the scrotum, with or without swelling. Change in the way a testicle feels or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
While there is no definite age at which male ejaculation ceases, it has been suggested that it may happen when a man reaches his late 40s or early 50s. It is important to note, however, that this is not a universal rule and some men may continue to ejaculate at a later age.
Some studies suggest that moderate ejaculation (2–4 times per week) is associated with a lower prostate cancer risk. However, ejaculating more often doesn't mean your cancer risk drops even more.
Testicular pain can be caused by sudden injury, inflammation, sexually transmitted infections or an emergency condition called testicular torsion (twisting). This condition can cause a dull ache in the scrotum, sometimes along with swelling.
A healthy testicle has a firm and smooth surface, but doesn't feel hard. You might have one testicle slightly bigger than the other. This is normal. It's also normal for one testicle to hang slightly lower than your other one.
sperm, also called spermatozoon, plural spermatozoa, male reproductive cell, produced by most animals.
Cancer of the testicle is 1 of the less common cancers, and tends to mostly affect men between 15 and 49 years of age. Typical symptoms are a painless swelling or lump in 1 of the testicles, or any change in shape or texture of the testicles. It's important to be aware of what feels normal for you.
Survival for testicular cancer is very high. Nearly all men survive their disease. Survival depends on many factors, so no one can tell you exactly how long you'll live. It depends on your individual condition, type of cancer, treatment and level of fitness.
For testicular cancer that has not spread beyond the testicles (stage 1), the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. For testicular cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes in the back of the abdomen, called the retroperitoneal lymph nodes, the 5-year relative survival rate is 96%.
A variety of conditions can cause signs and symptoms that are similar to those seen in testicular cancer. This can include testicular torsion, epididymitis, epididymoorchitis, hydrocele, varicocele, hematoma, spermatocele, and syphilitic gumma.
Testicular ultrasound: Testicular ultrasound uses sound waves to create images that show the inside of the testicles. It is an effective, noninvasive tool to rule out noncancerous testicle conditions like varicoceles. Blood tests: Doctors use blood tests to detect testicular cancer tumor markers.
Testicular cancer
The lump will usually form on the front or side of a testicle. It will often feel hard, and the entire testicle may feel firmer than usual. A lump can develop inside the testicle, or just under the skin. One testicle may become larger or swollen.
Causes. Each testicle is attached to a muscle called the cremaster muscle. The cremaster muscle can contract inside the body causing the testicle to be pulled in and out of the scrotum; this is called the cremasteric reflex. This is a normal reflex seen in all males.
If your scrotum looks or feels like it's full of fluid on one or both sides, you may have a hydrocele. A hydrocele may be caused by inflammation or injury but it's not usually painful.