This is an infection that cuts the blood supply to the testicles and the entire scrotum region due to the twisting of the spermatic cord. Notably, the spermatic cord plays essential roles in the lower abdomen; for instance, it allows sperm into the urethra and transports blood to the testicles.
Therefore, a disturbance in this connection like loose attachment of the spermatic cord to the scrotum will result into the above complications. When the cord twists, it causes pain and swelling of the testicles.
The pain is often severe that the testicles reduce in size and even die if no attended to in not more than six hours (Urology Care Foundation – Urology A-Z – Testicular Torsion, 2011). Testicular torsion occurs in individuals whose testes can swing freely in the scrotum thus twisting easily.
Affected individuals feels nauseated and vomit frequently. In addition, patients notice the high position of the testicle and abnormal cremasteric reflex. Its occurrence is common during physical activities like sports; however, it can occur at any time mostly in ages between 12 and 16.
Additionally, this defect can result due to a person’s family history on testicular torsions and an individual’s past history on testicular torsions; for example, if one had experienced such pain without treatment, there are high chances of re-occurrence (Rupp, 2011).
When this torsion occurs, an immediate medical surgery is necessary to be conducted within the shortest time possible; that is, not more than six hours. Remarkably, beyond these hours, a permanent damage occurs on the testicles, which may result to in a father’s inability to sire children (Testicular Torsion, 2012).
From the repercussions and instant effects that result from this type of torsion, this surgical exploration has been grouped under emergency surgical operations. On the other hand, the doctor may untwist (detorsion) the testicles manually by holding the scrotum and pushing the testicles.
Significantly, surgery must be done to prevent future occurrences. According to Rupp 2011, Testicular torsion in newborns is only treated through emergency medical surgery, as the manual option cannot work.
In the future, there should be plans to make Doppler ultra sound of the testicle a mandatory service to all male patients. Moreover, the service should be offered freely or under subsidy by the government body.
This service will show the blood flow in and out of the scrotum, thus helping in revealing even partial torsions that do not show signs of high magnitude (Liou & Vorvick, 2012).
Testicular torsions lead to complications such as the reduction in size and eventual death of the affected testicle, hence calling for surgical operation and incapacitating a father from siring children. The latter results since the testicles that release sperms are not able to function normally.
Another significant feature in the scrotum and testicles is the cremasteric reflex. This reflex involves the upward movement of both the scrotum and testicles when the upper part of a male’s thigh is stroked lightly (Urology Care Foundation – Urology A-Z – Testicular Torsion, 2011).
This contraction is a reflex action; its absence can imply health defects like spinal injury, motor neuron disorder and testicular torsion. It is this absence that is referred to as absent cremasteric reflex.
This reflex is overactive in early adolescence but may slowly disappear. This abnormality can be treated only after a doctor has looked into the patient medical history and other symptoms that accompany the defect like dizziness and syncope.
References
Liou, L. S., & Vorvick, L. J. (2012). Testicular torsion: MedlinePlus. Medical Encyclopedia. National Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health. Web.
Rupp, T. J. (2011). Testicular Torsion in Emergency Medicine. Medscape: Medscape Access. Web.
Testicular Torsion. (2012). Mayo Clinic. Web.
Urology Care Foundation – Urology A-Z – Testicular Torsion. (2011).
Urology Care Foundation – Home. Web.