[Question #1158] Testicle Pain

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101 months ago
I had protected sex with an escort in March 2016.  Since last week my right testicle has been having throbbing pain that comes on and off.  Since today it has been more persistent.  I have no problems urinating.  Urine is clear.  No discharge.  To test I attempted masturbation and it happened with no pain and a clear orgasm.  But I've read pain in testicle is a sign of Chlamydia,  could I have got it now?
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
101 months ago
Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question.

It is very unlikely your testicular pain is due to an STD or otherwise related to your escort exposure 5 months ago. The only STD related problem that would cause unilateral testicular pain is epididymitis, i.e. infection of the sperm collecting ducts. Epididymitis due to STD is either chlamydia or gonorrhea. But there are several reasons that make it virtually certain this isn't the problem. Condom protected sex is low risk for gonorrhea and chlamydia, and either of these (gonorrhea almost always, chlamydia usually) would have caused earlier symptoms, primarily abnormal urethral discharge, often with painful urination. Epididymitis doesn't cause pain on and off; once pain starts, it would be continuous. Absence of obvious swelling and marked tenderness of the testicle also are against infectious epididymitis. (The clinicians in STD clinics often say, only half jokingly, that they can diagnose the guys with epididymitis as they walk into the exam room, by the way they walk to protect the involved testicle from any motion.)

If the pain continues, see a physician for diagnosis. But based on what you've said, I'm confident it isn't chlamydia or any other STD.

I hope this has been helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

Best regards--  HHH, MD

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101 months ago
Thank you Dr Handsfield for your measured reply.  I am seeing my GP tomorrow as the pain has not gone away. 
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
101 months ago
Feel free to post a comment about the outcome.

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