Patient's question:
[Condition Description: I read a news article about a testicle torsion that led to necrosis while sleeping, and I also like to sleep on my side. 1. My left testicle is lower than the right one, is this normal (someone told me it's a normal phenomenon)? Is it? There are no other symptoms. I want to ask if there are any symptoms that can be noticed in testicle torsion? 2. If the testicle gets twisted, will it be extremely painful, like unbearable pain? 3. If it's necrotic, will there be no sperm anymore (can it still be ejaculated)? 4. Will it also lead to impotence? Medical history and treatment: There has been no previous treatment. What kind of help do you want: Please answer one by one, don't summarize in one go. Thank you.]Doctor's answer:
The testicle itself does not twist, but the spermatic cord, which is like a rope, can twist and knot. Since the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the testicle and remove metabolic waste pass through the spermatic cord, once the cord knots, the testicle will be starved. Generally, after more than 12 hours, it will suffer ischemic necrosis. Although about half of the patients with testicular torsion develop the condition after intense exercise, when lying on the side, the testicle is compressed between the legs, experiencing more pressure than when standing, making it more prone to testicular torsion. Infants and adolescents who experience sudden swelling and severe pain in the scrotum during vigorous exercise or sleep should be suspected of testicular torsion and should seek medical attention promptly at a formal hospital's urology department. If diagnosed in time, manual reduction or emergency surgery can be attempted, which can largely preserve male characteristics and fertility.