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The testes can swell for many reasons. Possible causes include cancer, testicular torsion, inguinal hernia, epididymitis, hydrocele, and varicocele. Other causes are far less common in adults.
Lymphedema causes painless swelling of the entire scrotum. Lymphedema results most often from blockage of genital blood or lymph fluid returning to the body. Cirrhosis and heart failure are common causes. Lymphedema can also result from compression of the abdominal or pelvic veins or lymph glands (for example, by a tumor). A doctor makes a diagnosis of lymphedema based on findings from a physical examination. Treating the underlying cause usually gives better results than surgery.
Mumps, a viral infection, usually affects children. If an adult contracts mumps, the testes can become painful and swollen and may sometimes shrink and stop working (atrophy). Mumps can permanently damage the ability of the testes to produce sperm but does not usually cause complete infertility unless it affects both testes.
A spermatocele is a collection of sperm in a sac that develops next to the epididymis. Most are painless. While most spermatoceles need no treatment, one that becomes large or bothersome can be removed surgically.
Last full review/revision February 2003
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