Table of Contents
Urinary tract infection
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, can involve any or all parts of the urinary system but most often affects the bladder and urethra.
Bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract – especially Escherichia coli (E. coli) – are the most common cause of UTIs. These bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra. Sexual activity can do this, but a UTI is not considered a sexually transmitted disease.
Reading: Why does my right nut hurt really bad
Women are more at risk for UTI than men. Due to female anatomy, the urethral opening is a short distance from the anus. Anyone who uses catheters to urinate is also prone to UTIs.
Common symptoms of less-serious UTIs include lower abdominal discomfort and pressure; burning or discomfort on urination; and cloudy or discolored urine.
Left untreated, the infection could spread to the kidneys and cause a medical emergency.
Diagnosis is made by having the patient describe the symptoms and by testing a urine sample for bacteria.
UTIs are caused by bacteria and so can be treated with antibiotics.
Prevention involves good hygiene and drinking plenty of water.
Testicular torsion
Testicular torsion is also called ATT or acute testicular infarction. It is a twisting of the spermatic cord, which runs from each testicle up into the abdomen and carries blood vessels, nerves, and sperm-transporting ducts.
The cause is believed to be a congenital abnormality that leaves the testicle insufficiently anchored within the scrotum.
Most susceptible are infant boys and boys just reaching puberty. Torsion may occur in older boys after an injury and/or an athletic workout.
Symptoms include sudden, severe, one-sided testicular pain and swelling, with nausea and vomiting.
Acute testicular torsion is a medical emergency. If not corrected immediately, the loss of blood flow can lead to infertility and loss of the testicle. Take the patient to the emergency room or call 9-1-1.
Also Read: How much are jack russell terriers
Diagnosis is made through physical examination and sometimes ultrasound.
Treatment involves first attempting to manually rotate the testicle back into place. If unsuccessful, surgery will be done to either correct the torsion or to remove the testicle if the damage is not reversible.
Painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis)
Painful bladder syndrome, also called interstitial cystitis or IC, is a chronic condition of pain and discomfort in the urinary system.
The cause is unknown. It may be an autoimmune disorder and is often found with fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, or vulvodynia (pain in the outer female organs.) Some researchers feel the condition may be linked to a history of abuse.
Painful bladder syndrome is more common in women than in men, but can happen to anyone.
Symptoms vary and may include pressure and discomfort in the lower abdomen; pain during sexual intercourse; bladder pain; and a frequent urge to urinate.
A medical provider should be seen for these symptoms, because painful bladder syndrome can interfere with quality of life and lead to depression.
Diagnosis is made through patient history; physical examination; blood and urine tests; and sometimes cystoscopy. Women may have a pelvic examination and men may have a digital rectal examination.
There is no cure specifically for painful bladder syndrome, so treatment involves addressing the symptoms and making lifestyle changes.
Also Read: Why is my dog breathing so hard
Rarity: Rare
Top Symptoms: fatigue, abdominal cramps (stomach cramps), depressed mood, pelvis pain, arthralgias or myalgias
Urgency: Primary care doctor
Also Read: Home made dog ear cleaner
Orchitis
Orchitis occurs when one or both testicles are inflamed. This is often caused by sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia. More rarely, orchitis is caused by a virus.
Antibiotics are needed to treat bacterial orchitis. If the cause is viral, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and ice packs may be used to treat symptoms.
Also Read: Why is my dog breathing so hard
Rarity: Rare
Top Symptoms: spontaneous testicle pain, fever, tender testicular swelling, muscle aches, new headache
Urgency: Primary care doctor
Also Read: Home made dog ear cleaner
Non-serious testicle injury
Being struck in the testicles is very common, and despite the intense pain that follows, rarely requires professional medical care.
You can treat your painful scrotal injury with rest and optional application of ice. Be careful not to ice your scrotum for more than a couple minutes at a time.
Also Read: Why is my dog breathing so hard
Rarity: Rare
Top Symptoms: testicle pain from an injury, testicle injury
Symptoms that always occur with non-serious testicle injury: testicle injury
Urgency: Self-treatment
Groin nerve irritation
There are several nerves supplying the groin, inner thigh and genital region. Entrapment or irritation of one of these nerves can result in pain or numbness in this area. This is often caused by surgery in this area but can happen without a specific cause as well.
You should discuss your symptoms with your primary care physician. Sometimes a referral to a specialist is needed. Treatment often includes an injection with a local anesthetic.
Also Read: Why is my dog breathing so hard
Rarity: Rare
Top Symptoms: thigh numbness, groin numbness, testicle numbness, sharp testicle or scrotum pain, sharp groin pain
Urgency: Primary care doctor
Also Read: Home made dog ear cleaner