men s health issues
Testicular Torsion
Introduction
Testicular torsion is the twisting of a testis on its spermatic cord so that the blood supply to the testis is blocked. Testicular torsion causes sudden, severe pain and later swelling of the affected testis. A doctor's examination and sometimes ultrasonography are needed for testicular torsion diagnosis. Treatment is to untwist the spermatic cord. Testicular torsion usually occurs in boys between the ages of about 12 and 18 and sometimes occurs during infancy, but it can occur at any age. Abnormal development of the spermatic cord or the membrane covering the testis makes testicular torsion possible. With torsion, the testis usually dies within 6 to 12 hours after the blood supply is cut off unless the torsion is treated. 