Ques 1 What is Testicular Torsion in children?
Ans Testicular torsion is a painful twisting of a boy’s testicles and spermatic cord. The spermatic cord is a set of nerves, ducts, and blood vessels that leads from the groin to the testicles. Torsion can happen to one or both testicles. Torsion causes blood to not flow to the testicles. This can damage them.
Ques 2 What causes Testicular Torsion in a child?
Ans Testicular torsion in young boys and teen boys occurs when the testicles are not completely attached in the scrotum. This lets the testicles move more freely and twist. Torsion may happen during physical activity.
Testicular torsion in a baby happens when the sac around the testicles doesn’t attach to the scrotum.
Ques 3 Which children are at risk for Testicular Torsion?
Ans Testicular torsion often occurs in boys ages 10 and older. It can also happen when a baby is growing in the mother’s uterus, or shortly after a baby is born. The condition is sometimes seen in fathers, sons, and brothers. This means it may be linked to a gene.
Ques 4 What are the symptoms of Testicular Torsion in a child?
Ans Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. The scrotum may be:
- Painful (the pain is often very severe)
- Red
- Swollen
- Firm (in a baby)
- Bruised (in a baby)
- Closer to the groin
The child may also have nausea and vomiting.
Ques 5 How is Testicular Torsion diagnosed in a child?
Ans The provider will give your son a physical exam. He may also have tests, such as an ultrasound.
Ques 6 How is Testicular Torsion treated in a child?
Ans Testicular torsion often needs to be treated right away. The more severe the torsion, the more quickly treatment is needed. In some cases, the torsion may be untwisted by hand. But surgery is still needed to keep the testicle in place so torsion can’t occur again. To reduce the risk of long-term problems, surgery should be done.
Ques 7 What are possible complications of Testicular Torsion in a child?
Ans If the condition is not treated quickly, it can lead to loss of the testicle.
Ques 8 When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?
Ans Testicular torsion is a medical emergency. If you think that your son has testicular torsion, he should be taken to an emergency department right away for evaluation.