Symptoms

Testicular Torsion, Detorsed With Close Follow-Up (Adult)

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Your testicle was twisted inside the scrotum. This is a medical emergency called testicular torsion. When the testicle twists in this way, the spermatic cord is twisted. This squeezes (compresses) the blood vessels in the spermatic cord. Blood flow to the testicle decreases. It's very painful on the side of the affected testicle. It may also cause fever or vomiting. If it's not treated right away, torsion can lead to loss of the testicle. Or you might not be able to have children (infertility). If it's treated within 6 hours, the testicle can be saved almost 100% of the time. At 12 hours, this drops to 20%. At 24 hours, this drops to nearly 0%.

Your testicle was untwisted by hand (manually). Manual detorsion is used when surgery isn't available within 2 hours. But surgery is still needed to prevent the problem from coming back. You'll also need surgery on your other testicle. This is done to fix the issue that causes this condition.

Testicular torsion can occur from an injury or strenuous physical activity. It can also happen spontaneously.

Front view of male pelvic area showing testicular torsion.


Follow-up care

See a urologist right away. The sooner your surgery is done, the less risk that it will happen again with possible loss of the testicle or infertility. If your symptoms come back, get medical help right away.


Call 911

Call 911 if you have pain or swelling in the testicle or scrotum. If these symptoms return, it's a medical emergency.


When to get medical advice

Contact your health care provider right away if you have:

  • A fever of 100.4ºF (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider.

  • An upset stomach (nausea) or vomiting that keeps happening.

  • Belly pain.

  • Trouble peeing.

  • Shrinking of the testicle.

Online Medical Reviewer: Lalitha Kadali

Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN

Online Medical Reviewer: Sabrina Felson MD

Date Last Reviewed: 04/01/2025

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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