Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency care for sudden severe pain in the scrotum, groin or lower abdomen, especially with swelling, vomiting or a testicle sitting higher than usual.
These can be signs of testicular torsion.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Blood flow may be at risk, so do not wait for a routine appointment.
A painful groin bulge with vomiting, marked swelling or distress may be a trapped hernia and also needs urgent assessment.
After surgery, contact the surgical team promptly about increasing redness, pus, fever, worsening swelling, uncontrolled pain, repeated vomiting or difficulty passing urine.
Follow the specific discharge instructions provided.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if:
A baby’s testicle has not descended by about 6 months of corrected age
One or both testicles cannot be felt in the scrotum
A testicle that used to be in the scrotum now stays higher up
A known retractile testicle no longer moves into the scrotum
An older child, teenager or adult appears to have an undescended testicle
There is a new painless lump, change in size or persistent heaviness
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Undescended testicle. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.