Testicular torsion can be a source of sarcastic, mean humor amongst men – when they’re acting like boys. Testicular torsion hit news cycles in March, 2008 when Felix Pie (P-ay) – an alleged 5-tool outfield prospect for the Chicago Cubs – succumbed to the painful injury. As expected, media and bloggers went wild with the news (if you’re waiting for this post to make its own puns regarding the topic, the editor will not allow it and, trust me, it’s not advisable to cross the editor).

Though there have been some very strange injuries in baseball as well as other sports, what poor Felix Pie’s high-end doctors probably assured him was that testicular torsion isn’t as uncommon as other people might think. (How many sports fans have heard of an athlete going on the Disabled List for what is loosely described as a “Groin Injury?” You never know.)

Testicular Torsion – What Is It?

What Pie likely learned in a hurry is that testicular torsion is a condition where blood isn’t getting to a testicle. What is often the case is that the spermatic cord which supplies the testicles with blood has been twisted or even pinched.

Who Is at Risk of Testicular Torsion?

Last population stat I heard in college was that there were more females than males in the world, so initially, more than half the population is free from risk (barring abnormalities). Testicular torsion is a condition usually found in children under 18, and has also been linked to fetal monorchism. Males who are active, athletes especially are at risk of testicular torsion.

Testicular Torsion Symptoms

• A prolonged pain in the scrotum / testicle, usually to one side.
• Prolonged pain in the scrotal area. This pain is called orchalgia.

Other Possible Symptoms of Testicular Torsion
• Vomiting / nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Occasional fever
• Pains during urination
• Discoloration
• Enlargement due to swelling

Home Remedies for Testicular Torsion
Home remedies are absolutely not suggested for dealing with testicular torsion. In short, any self-correction or attempts to remedy the pain without the help of a medical doctor could result in permanent damage / monorchism – the loss of one or both testicles. Ice and pain relievers could reduce the swelling but will not release the torsion. Most every medical professional considers testicular torsion to be a medical emergency and strongly suggests that professional treatment should be sought as soon as possible. In some cases, doctors have been able to correct the problem in the office, but in most cases, the only safe, healthy course is surgery.

Testicular Torsion is one of the reasons coaches always told players to wear a cup, though in Ken Griffey Jr.’s case, even that wasn’t a guarantee.

Please take of yourself.

–Martin

Do you have any sports injuries or home remedies you would like to share? Comment and tell us!

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