Sore testicles while running can have a significant impact on your workout. Employing a few simple pain relief strategies and switching to supportive underwear can help reduce discomfort.
What Causes Testicle Pain When Running?
Testicle pain can be due to several factors and may lead to discomfort while running. Mayo Clinic notes that even a small injury to this area can trigger pain. Because of this, minor jostling or movement during your run could be the cause.
Common causes of testicle pain include injury, infection, inflammation, and testicular torsion, according to MedlinePlus.
Injuries that can cause testicle pain include:
- Direct Impact A direct impact or blow to the groin area or the testes may cause severe pain. Depending on the severity of the blow, it may lead to pain and discomfort when running.
- Inguinal Hernia A hernia in your groin (inguinal) area can cause internal tissue to push through a weak spot in your abdominal muscles. This can lead to pain in your scrotum when you exercise.
- Testicular Torsion This is when one of your testicles becomes twisted inside your scrotum and loses its blood supply. It is a medical emergency that requires surgery to save the testicle.
Other causes of testicle pain include:
- Varicocele This is an enlarged bundle of veins in the scrotum. According to Mayo Clinic, it can cause dull or severe pain during exercise due to increased blood flow.
- Infection Prostate infections (prostatitis) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause testicle pain.
- Inflammation Conditions like epididymitis and orchitis cause swelling in the testicles that can lead to pain and sensitivity in the area.
Check Your Underwear
If repetitive movements associated with jogging are the source of your sore testicles, you may want to examine your underwear.
These side-to-side movements during a run can cause your testicles to strike your leg and trigger painful symptoms, especially if you are wearing boxer shorts.
Switching to supportive underwear, like briefs or boxer briefs, keeps them closer to your body, helping to prevent pain caused by movement.
Wearing an athletic supporter (jockstrap) can also help prevent injuries that may lead to testicular pain in the first place, advises Cleveland Clinic.
Tips for Finding Relief
If you’re already experiencing testicle pain when running, here are some steps you can take to help relieve discomfort:
- Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever after exercise can help reduce mild pain symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic. These include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin.
- Applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel to your groin area can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Placing a folded towel under your scrotum while you are lying on your back can support and lift the painful area.
While these measures can help with mild pain, contact your doctor immediately if the pain is severe or occurs suddenly. Testicle pain that is accompanied by nausea, fever, chills, or blood in the urine may indicate a more serious medical condition.
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