Body & health

Testicles

Alsotestestestistesticletesticular

Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.

Definition

The testicles are two oval glands held in the scrotum that produce sperm and the hormone testosterone.

At a glance

  • The testicles are two oval glands in the scrotum that produce sperm and testosterone.
  • They sit outside the body because sperm production works best slightly below core body temperature.
  • Sperm mature in the epididymis, a coiled tube behind each testicle.
  • It is common for one testicle to hang lower or be slightly larger than the other.
  • Sudden severe testicular pain can mean testicular torsion, which needs emergency treatment.

In detail

The testicles sit outside the body because sperm production works best slightly below core body temperature. Behind each testicle is the epididymis, a coiled tube where sperm mature before travelling on through the vas deferens. It is common for one testicle to hang lower or be slightly larger than the other.

Sudden, severe testicular pain can be a sign of testicular torsion, a twisting of the blood supply that needs emergency treatment. A new lump or swelling is usually harmless but should always be checked, because testicular cancer, while uncommon, is most often found in younger adults and is very treatable.

In a sentence

  • The school nurse explained that it is normal for one testicle to hang lower than the other.
  • He went to A&E straight away because of sudden pain in his testicles.

Where the word comes from

From Latin testiculus, a diminutive of testis. Testis is still used as the medical term for a single testicle.

Common questions

Is it normal for one testicle to be bigger or lower?

Yes. It is common for one testicle to hang lower or be slightly larger than the other. What matters more is noticing changes from what is normal for you, such as a new lump, swelling or heaviness, which should be checked by a doctor.

What is testicular torsion?

It is a twisting of the cord that supplies blood to a testicle. It causes sudden, severe pain and is a medical emergency, because the testicle can be damaged if blood flow is not restored quickly. Anyone with sudden severe testicular pain should seek emergency care.

Related terms

Sources

  1. MedlinePlusTesticular Disorders
  2. Planned ParenthoodWhat are the parts of the male sexual anatomy?