Is Lifting Weights Causing Pain in Your Testicles? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you're a fan of gains, then you know that the pain you feel today may be the strength you feel tomorrow — unless that pain is in your testicles.
Testicular pain can occur after working out or lifting a heavy object, and it can also be a sign of a more serious issue. Learn what can cause testicular pain and what to do for relief.
Testicles are a sensitive part of the body, and you may feel a bit of pain in them even from a minor injury. At times, exerting muscles through weight lifting may make that injury worse or hint at a more serious issue. Testicular pain can also radiate to different parts of your body.
Some of these issues are more common than others.
Many of these issues can be serious medical conditions. Contact your doctor if your pain persists or if you have additional symptoms.
Although testicular pain has several potential causes, pain after weight lifting is often related to an inguinal hernia, an abnormal bulge in the groin.
Lindsay Hessler, MD, a board-certified surgeon at the Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, says that hernia symptoms may include pain and a lump in the groin.
“Hernia symptoms are often worse with heavy lifting, straining, or prolonged standing," Dr. Hessler says.
A less common cause of groin pain, a sports hernia can occur in athletes or people who lift weights frequently, Hessler says.
“This is a rare problem that requires special imaging to diagnose and a specialty surgeon with expertise to treat," she says.
You can often treat mild testicular pain at home, says Baltimore-based Damon Davis, MD, a board-certified urologist with the Urology Specialists of Maryland at Mercy Medical Center.
"A period of rest is recommended, in addition to tighter underwear, intermittent icing, and anti-inflammatories, as long as there are no allergies or other contraindications to their use," Dr. Davis says.
No matter what, Hessler says, you should not ignore testicular pain. It is not normal, despite the aches and pains that come with lifting weights. Although it may go away on its own, it may require a visit to the doctor.
"A good place to start is with your primary-care physician, who can diagnose a number of health problems," Hessler says. "If you are experiencing severe pain or symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or a painful, swollen lump in the groin, you might need emergency medical care."
Diagnosis typically includes a physical exam, as well as questions about the level of your physical activity, such as weight lifting. Additional tests may be required based on your symptoms and situation.
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