Hard, Relatively Enlarged Testicle With Achy Pain

Dear Ask The Doctor: Hello Dr., Last summer (August 2009), I noticed my testicles had almost doubled in size. Over the winter months I did not notice the larger size, and may have in fact shrunk a little bit. Recently, I noticed the size increase once again. Not only that but my testicles feel a little hard, as well I have an achy pain around my groin region. The achy pain comes and goes. What do you suggest. Thanks, Nigel

Dear Nigel: Increased testicular size is always a concern for many men. Most men worry about the possibility of testicular cancer. This is unlikely to be the case based on the description of your symptoms. Your symptoms suggest orchitis, which is an infection of the testicles. This diagnosis can be easily confirmed by some simple tests such as a urine culture and an ultrasound of the testicles. It is treated with antibiotics. The ultrasound will also help to rule out the possibility of testicular cancer.