Chronic groin & testicular pain affects over 100,000 men annually. Quite often this chronic pain is the result of previous surgery or trauma such as a hernia repair, kidney removal, accident involving the scrotal region or pelvis, vasectomy or a number of infections. While the majority of chronic testicular or groin pain is from unknown causes management of the symptoms can provide the relief and quality of life you desire.

While the majority of chronic testicular or groin pain is from unknown causes management of the symptoms can provide the relief and quality of life you desire.

What might cause Groin & Testicular Pain?

The cause of chronic testicular pain lies most directly in the nerves and our nervous system. After a traumatic event occurs or due to unknown causes, men can develop damage in our nerve fibers which will result in constant irritation and occasional inflammation. This means that we can be left with a constant feeling of swelling or pressure as well as pain and discomfort.

What is Orchialgia?

Orchialgia, also known as chronic testicular pain or chronic scrotal contents pain is a condition where a man has persistent pain in the scrotum that is not caused by any identifiable organic cause. This may develop on its own or following infection, trauma, inflammation or surgery (vasectomy, hernia repair). Pain can also be referred to the scrotum even though the actual source of pain is coming from somewhere else. Examples can include a kidney stone or a spinal problem that traps or inflames the nerves. 

Therapy for Orchialgia

There are several simple options. We always start with the logical and work our way up the ladder quickly to find the therapy that works best for you.

• Firstly, investigations to find a testicular cause should be diagnosed and treated (eg. infection, hydrocele). Often, we will work with a Consultant Urologist or other healthcare provider to ensure we understand the possible cause of the pain.
• Pain due to spasm of the muscles of the pelvic floor can be treated with pelvic floor physical therapy.
• Conservative measures are best to try for at least 8-12 weeks. These can include rest, heat, tight fitting underwear and oral anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. ibuprofen or other long acting anti-flammatories).
• Depending on the exact distribution of the pain and the nature of the pain injections of local anesthesia to “block” the nerve fibers (i.e.in the nerves that supplies the groin / testicular structure / scrotal region) can be undertaken as a day care procedure
• Nerves that may be considered for a "block” include the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve, inguinal branches of the ilioinguinal nerve, pudenal nerve or the Dorsal root ganglion in the lower back.
• If a block helps but does not eliminate the pain, it is possible to offer denervation using heat to prolong the pain relief.

At Pain Relief Ireland we specialize in offering minimally invasive neurodestruction of T12, L1 and L2 nerve roots utilizing Pulse Radiofrequency fields.

While the mechanism of action of pulsed radiofrequency remains unclear, Dr. Dominic Hegarty reports that “For properly selected patients (pain duration > 6 months, failure of all other medical therapies, complete temporary relief with a Nerve block), over 75% of patients have long term pain relief. This makes this the effectiveness of minimally invasive neurodestruction a very useful and safe procedure and one we offer.

Please discuss the options with your physician or organize an appointment to see our consultant.

Call Pain Relief Ireland in confidence on 021 235 5500 to make an appointment. Remember - We Care About Your Pain.