According to Dr. Pham Quang Trung of the Department of Urology and Andrology at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, the testicles are vital male organs, responsible not only for sperm production but also playing a key role in hormone regulation. Therefore, any discomfort or pain in this area should be taken seriously, especially after sexual intercourse. Here are some of the causes of this pain.

Injury

Vigorous or awkward sex can cause minor injuries or direct impact to the scrotum, leading to testicular trauma. This can result in pain, swelling, and scrotal hematoma. In more severe cases, rupture can occur.

Blood clots

When men experience prolonged sexual stimulation without ejaculation or incomplete ejaculation, blood pools in the area, causing tension, discomfort, and a dull ache. The pain from both of these causes usually subsides after ejaculation or within a few hours. To alleviate discomfort, try relaxing, taking deep breaths, applying a warm compress, taking a warm bath, or gently massaging the scrotum. If ejaculation doesn't occur, self-stimulation can help release the pooled blood and reduce the feeling of tension.

Dr. Trung examining a patient. Illustrative photo: *Tam Anh General Hospital*

Testicular torsion

Prolonged, severe, or recurrent pain after sex, accompanied by other unusual symptoms, can be a sign of testicular torsion. According to Dr. Trung, this is an acute condition in men that can occur at any time, whether during rest, after strenuous activity, or after sex. This happens when the testicle twists around its cord, cutting off its blood supply. The typical sign is sudden, severe scrotal pain. The first 6 hours after the onset of pain are crucial for emergency treatment of testicular torsion. Delay can lead to necrosis and necessitate removal of the testicle.

Epididymitis

The epididymis is a C-shaped structure located behind the testicle where sperm mature. Epididymitis or orchitis (testicular inflammation) after sex is usually caused by bacterial infections (urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections), and sometimes by trauma or chemical exposure. Inflammation causes the testicle and epididymis to become swollen, hard, and painful, with reddened scrotal skin. Patients may also experience fever, burning pain during urination, and blood in their semen.

Prostatitis

The prostate gland is a small gland located below the bladder, surrounding the urethra in men. Ejaculation puts pressure on this gland, especially when it's inflamed, leading to pain in the groin, pelvic floor, or genitals. The pain can persist after ejaculation and is often accompanied by symptoms such as painful urination, urinary urgency, frequent urination, or nocturia.

Varicocele

This is a condition where the veins in the scrotum become enlarged, creating a feeling of heaviness, dull aching, and discomfort. The pain usually occurs after sex, prolonged standing, or strenuous activity due to increased blood pressure in the scrotum.

In addition, kidney stones, ureteral stones, inguinal hernias, epididymal cysts, and other conditions can also cause internal damage.

Dr. Trung advises men not to ignore persistent pain in this area, especially if accompanied by unusual symptoms such as fever, scrotal swelling, difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, or blood in the semen. Patients should consult a specialist to determine the exact cause and receive prompt treatment to avoid complications.

Anh Kiet