How to be alert to the occurrence of testicular torsion

The health of the testicles is crucial for a boy's growth. However, a rare but urgent condition - testicular torsion in children - may pose a serious threat to a boy's reproductive health. Testicular torsion is an acute and serious condition in the male reproductive system that may cause testicular ischemia and necrosis, thereby affecting fertility and sexual function. Therefore, it is important for men's health to understand the relevant knowledge about testicular torsion, including prevention and emergency treatment measures. This article will explore the definition, symptoms, causes, risk factors, prevention methods, and emergency treatment measures of testicular torsion in depth to help readers better protect their health.

1. Definition and symptoms of testicular torsion

Testicular torsion in children is a sudden condition that occurs when a testicle or epididymis (a type of tissue near the testicle) suddenly turns or rotates, which blocks its blood supply, causing pain and tissue damage. If not treated promptly, this condition can lead to permanent damage or even loss of the testicle. Although testicular torsion in children is relatively rare, it requires emergency treatment when it occurs.

2. Causes and risk factors of testicular torsion

Testicular torsion can be caused by a variety of reasons, including congenital anomalies, trauma, and strenuous exercise. Congenital anomalies include excessive length of the testicular ligament or epididymal abnormalities of the testicular ligament, which increase the risk of testicular torsion. In addition, trauma, especially trauma to the testicular area, may also cause testicular torsion. Strenuous exercise or activity, especially without adequate support during exercise, is also a major cause of testicular torsion. Some individual factors may also increase the likelihood of testicular torsion, including family history and a history of having had testicular torsion in the past.

3. How to prevent testicular torsion

While testicular torsion cannot be completely prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of it occurring:

1. Avoid trauma: Trauma is one of the factors that may increase the risk of testicular torsion. Therefore, boys should wear appropriate protective equipment when engaging in sports or other high-risk activities, and try to avoid strenuous physical activities, especially impact on the testicular area.

2. Regular physical examinations: Regular physical examinations can help doctors detect any potential problems, including testicular torsion, in a timely manner. Parents should ensure that their children undergo regular physical examinations and consult a doctor immediately if any abnormalities are found.

3. Educate children: Educate boys to recognize the importance of their physical condition and encourage them to pay attention to and report any discomfort or abnormal symptoms so as to seek medical attention in time.

In addition, individuals who already have congenital abnormalities or have experienced testicular torsion should undergo regular physical examinations and take necessary preventive measures as directed by their doctor.

(IV) Emergency measures

If symptoms of testicular torsion occur, emergency treatment should be taken immediately to prevent further injury and complications. Emergency treatment may include:

1. Seek medical help: Seek medical attention immediately and inform the doctor of your symptoms and medical history for timely diagnosis and treatment.

2. Manual untwisting: Under the guidance of professional medical personnel, perform manual untwisting operations to restore normal blood supply to the testicles.

During the medical treatment process, you should cooperate with the doctor's treatment and advice and actively cooperate with the treatment to minimize the occurrence of subsequent complications.

5. Impact of testicular torsion on health

Not only can testicular torsion cause severe pain and discomfort, it can also have long-term effects on a man's health, including:

1. Impaired fertility: Testicular torsion may damage testicular tissue, affect sperm production and quality, and thus affect fertility.

2. Sexual dysfunction: Long-term testicular torsion may have a negative impact on sexual function, including problems such as erectile dysfunction.

Therefore, timely detection and treatment of testicular torsion are crucial to minimize the adverse effects on men's health.

Testicular torsion in children is a serious emergency that can have serious consequences for a boy's reproductive health. Knowing how to prevent and manage this condition is essential to protecting boys' health. By educating boys on how to recognize the symptoms, as well as taking preventive measures, the risk of developing testicular torsion can be minimized, and seeking medical help early if necessary. With the care of parents and guardians, boys can grow up healthy and avoid the potential harms of testicular torsion in children.

Author: Zhang Sihan Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University