Left Testicle Bigger Than Right: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help

Have you noticed a size difference between your testicles? It can be worrying. Many men find their left testicle is bigger than the right. Sometimes it just hangs lower. This might make you worry about health problems.

Feeling anxious about changes in this area is natural. It helps to understand the possible reasons. Some reasons are perfectly normal. Others might need medical attention.

This article explains why your left testicle might seem larger. We’ll cover common, harmless causes. We’ll also discuss serious issues. You’ll learn when to see a doctor and how problems are checked and treated. Our goal is to give you clear, trusted information based on medical facts. This can help you handle this common concern.

Is it Normal for One Testicle to Be Bigger Than the Other?

Yes, for many men, it’s often completely normal. One testicle might be slightly larger. Or it might hang lower than the other. This asymmetry is common. It’s usually not a cause for alarm.

Dr. Evelyn Reed is a specialist in men’s health and urology. She explains, “Think of it like your hands or feet – they’re rarely perfectly identical.” She adds, “Minor differences in testicular size are typical.”

The left testicle is often the larger or lower one. Experts think this relates to the body’s structure. Blood vessels are arranged differently on each side. The left testicular vein is longer. Also, the spermatic cord holds the testicle. Its length can vary slightly between sides.

Slight, long-standing differences are usually normal. However, watch for any new or major change in size, shape, or feel. Knowing the difference between normal variation and a potential problem is important.

Common Reasons for a Larger Left Testicle (Usually Harmless)

Several non-cancerous conditions can make the left testicle seem larger. Sometimes the right one is affected. These issues are quite common and often treatable.

Normal Anatomical Variation

As we said, natural body differences are the most common reason. Often, the left testicle is slightly bigger or hangs lower. Has the size difference always been there? Do you have no pain or other symptoms? Then it’s likely just your normal anatomy.

Varicocele

A varicocele means veins inside the scrotum have enlarged. It’s like varicose veins in the legs. Varicoceles happen more often on the left side. This is due to how the left vein connects to the kidney vein.

A varicocele might cause a heavy feeling. You might feel a dull ache. This can happen after standing a long time or exercising. The scrotum might feel like a “bag of worms.” This can make one side seem larger.

“Many varicoceles don’t cause symptoms. They often don’t need treatment,” notes Dr. Kenji Tanaka, a urology expert. “But larger ones can sometimes affect fertility or cause discomfort.” Doctors usually find varicoceles during a physical exam. Sometimes they use a scrotal ultrasound. If needed, treatment often involves simple surgery.

Hydrocele

A hydrocele is fluid buildup in the sac around the testicle. This can cause painless swelling in the scrotum. It makes one side look much larger.

Hydroceles are common in newborns. They usually go away on their own. They can also appear later in life. This might happen after an infection, injury, or inflammation. Hydroceles are usually harmless. But large or bothersome ones might need draining or surgery.

When a Larger Left Testicle Could Signal a Problem

A larger left testicle is often harmless. But sometimes, a noticeable size increase can signal a serious issue. These problems need prompt medical checks.

Epididymitis and Orchitis

Epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis. This coiled tube sits at the back of the testicle. It stores and carries sperm. Orchitis is inflammation of the testicle itself. Often, these happen together (epididymo-orchitis).

Bacteria usually cause these conditions. This includes sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhea. Less often, viruses like mumps are the cause.

Common symptoms include:

• Scrotal pain and tenderness, often starting slowly.
• Swelling and redness, making one testicle feel larger.
• Pain when urinating or ejaculating.
• Fever (sometimes).

Getting quick treatment with antibiotics (for bacteria) is key. This relieves symptoms and prevents further problems.

Testicular Torsion

Testicular torsion is a serious emergency. It happens when the spermatic cord twists. This cord supplies blood to the testicle. The twisting cuts off blood flow. This causes sudden, severe pain and swelling.

The testicle can be permanently damaged or die without quick treatment. This usually means within 6 hours. “Testicular torsion needs an immediate emergency room visit,” Dr. Reed stresses. “Key signs are sudden, intense testicle pain. Nausea, vomiting, and major swelling often occur too.”

Surgery is needed right away. Doctors untwist the cord to restore blood flow. They usually stitch the testicle(s) in place to prevent it from happening again. Torsion can occur at any age. It’s most common in teens and young adults.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is relatively rare overall. But it’s the most common cancer in young men (ages 15-35). It often appears as a painless lump or swelling in one testicle. You might notice the testicle feels different (firmer, heavier).

A size difference alone isn’t the main sign. But an enlarging testicle needs checking. This is especially true if it feels different or has a clear lump. Doctors must rule out cancer.

Luckily, testicular cancer is very treatable. Early detection makes a big difference. “This shows why regular self-exams are important,” advises the American Cancer Society. “See a doctor for any lasting changes.”

Other Causes

Less often, other issues cause a larger testicle:

• Inguinal Hernia: Part of the intestine pushes into the scrotum.
• Injury: A blow to the testicle can cause swelling and bruising.
• Cysts: Harmless fluid-filled sacs can form near the testicle.

Recognizing Warning Signs: When to See a Doctor

Slight, unchanging size differences are usually okay. But you should see a doctor quickly if you notice any of these:

• Sudden, bad pain in a testicle or the scrotum. (Could be torsion – go to the ER).
• A clear change in one testicle’s size or shape over weeks or months.
• A lump or hard spot on the testicle itself.
• A heavy feeling in the scrotum.
• A dull ache or pain in the scrotum, groin, or lower belly.
• Swelling or redness of the scrotum.
• Any changes along with fever or pain when you pee.

Don’t wait because of embarrassment or fear. Getting checked early is vital for many testicular conditions.

How Doctors Diagnose the Cause

If you’re worried about testicle size or other symptoms, your doctor will likely:

1. Ask About Your Health: They’ll ask when symptoms started and what they feel like. They’ll also ask about past issues, injuries, or infections.
2. Do a Physical Exam: The doctor will gently check your scrotum, testicles, and nearby parts. They look for size, firmness, lumps, soreness, or swelling. They might shine a light through the scrotum. This helps tell solid lumps from fluid-filled sacs like hydroceles.
3. Order a Scrotal Ultrasound: This is a very helpful test. Ultrasound uses sound waves to make pictures of the testicles. It clearly shows varicoceles, hydroceles, cysts, and swelling. It can also spot torsion by checking blood flow (using Doppler ultrasound). Ultrasound is also key for finding tumors.
4. Do Other Tests (If Needed): The doctor might order blood tests. For example, tumor marker tests if they suspect cancer. Urine tests can check for infection.

Overview of Potential Treatments

Treatment depends completely on what’s causing the size difference:

• Normal Variation: Needs no treatment, just peace of mind.
• Varicocele: Often needs no treatment. Doctors may treat it if it causes pain, fertility issues, or testicle shrinkage. Treatment involves minor surgery or procedures to block the enlarged veins.
• Hydrocele: Might go away alone. If it causes problems, doctors can drain the fluid or do surgery.
• Epididymitis/Orchitis: Needs antibiotics (if bacterial). Rest, scrotal support, and pain medicine also help.
• Testicular Torsion: Needs emergency surgery to untwist the cord and secure the testicle(s).
• Testicular Cancer: Usually involves surgery to remove the testicle (orchiectomy). Depending on the cancer type and stage, radiation or chemotherapy might follow.
• Hernia: Needs surgical repair.

The Importance of Testicular Self-Examination

Many health groups recommend regular testicular self-exams (TSE). This helps you learn what feels normal for your testicles. Then you can spot small changes early. Experts suggest doing a TSE once a month. A good time is after a warm bath or shower. The scrotal skin is relaxed then.

How to do a TSE:

1. Check each testicle one at a time.
2. Hold the testicle gently between your thumbs and fingers. Roll it slowly.
3. Feel for any hard lumps or smooth bumps. Notice any changes in size, shape, or firmness.
4. Learn where the epididymis is. It’s a soft, cord-like tube on the back of the testicle. Don’t mistake it for a lump.

Knowing what’s normal for you is key. If you find anything unusual, see your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is the left testicle always the bigger one?

A: The left is often slightly larger or lower due to body structure. But sometimes the right one is larger. Small differences on either side are usually normal if they haven’t changed and cause no symptoms.

Q2: Can a varicocele (enlarged veins) make the testicle itself shrink?

A: Sometimes, yes. A varicocele involves veins around the testicle. This can make that side of the scrotum feel fuller. But large varicoceles can affect blood flow and raise temperature near the testicle. Over time, this might cause the testicle to shrink (atrophy). It could also affect sperm production. This is why doctors sometimes treat varicoceles, especially if fertility is a worry or the size difference grows.

Q3: Does having one testicle bigger than the other always affect fertility?

A: Not usually. Normal size differences generally don’t impact fertility. But some conditions that cause size differences can. Untreated infections, large varicoceles, or testicular cancer (and its treatment) can affect sperm. If you’re worried about fertility and notice a size difference, talk to a doctor.

Q4: How can I tell a harmless cyst from a cancerous lump during a self-exam?

A: It’s hard to be sure without a doctor. Always get any new lump checked. But generally:

• Cancerous lumps: Often feel hard and painless. They seem to be part of the testicle itself, maybe like a small pea.
• Cysts: Usually feel smooth, round, and fluid-filled. They are often found near the testicle, maybe attached to the epididymis (the tube at the back). Cysts are usually harmless.
  An ultrasound is the best way to know for sure what a lump is.

Q5: I had testicular torsion fixed years ago. Could my testicle still be bigger on that side?

A: Possibly. After torsion surgery (orchiopexy), the testicle might change slightly. The surgery aims to save the testicle. But sometimes swelling takes time to go down. There might be small long-term changes in size or feel. On the other hand, if blood flow was cut off for too long before surgery, the testicle might get smaller later (atrophy). Talk to your urologist about any major changes after surgery.

Conclusion: Be Aware, But Don’t Panic

Finding out your left testicle is bigger than your right is common. Often, it’s just normal anatomy. Harmless issues like varicoceles or hydroceles can also cause size differences.

But it’s important to pay attention. See a doctor quickly for any new or major change in size, shape, or feel. Also see a doctor for pain, swelling, or a distinct lump. This helps rule out serious issues like infection, torsion, or cancer.

Understanding the possible causes helps. Knowing the warning signs matters. Doing regular self-exams puts you in control of your health. Don’t hesitate to talk to a doctor about any concerns. It’s always best to get checked out. You’ll either get reassurance or start needed treatment early.