Many men notice that one of their testicles hangs lower, while the other one is slightly bigger. Usually, it’s the right one that’s larger and the left one that hangs lower. While this usually isn’t a reason for concern, there are some cases in which having one testis bigger than the other can be an indication of an underlying medical condition.
Here are some of those conditions.
Epididymitis
The Epididymis is a tube at the back of the testicles that plays a vital role in carrying and storing sperm. The inflammation of this tube is called epididymitis, and it’s usually caused by sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea. Other than an enlarged testicle, this condition is characterized by painful urination, discharge from the penis, blood in the semen, and pain in the lower abdomen.
Orchitis
Orchitis is an inflammation of one or both testicles that can be caused by virus or bacteria. As the symptoms are usually visible in only one testis, the condition may cause that testis to be swollen and larger than the other one. Other signs of this infection are painful urination and ejaculation, blood in the semen, and tenderness in the scrotum.
Hydrocele
A hydrocele is a fluid-filled sac that can form around the testicle and make it heavier. Although it’s usually present in newborn boys, it’s not impossible for adults to develop a hydrocele. They usually don’t require treatment, but they could be a sign of a more serious infection.
Final Word
Having one testis bigger than the other is rarely a sign of a serious medical condition. However, if you notice the enlarged testicle is also sensitive to touch or you’re having problems with urination, schedule an appointment with your doctor so he or she can determine the cause.
