Testicular and scrotal pain are common presenting complaints in the GP surgery. Often, men present after acute onset of pain, but more commonly male patients attend after a gradual progression of more vague testicular symptoms or when discomfort begins to impact upon normal activities of daily living. Testicular symptoms can be a cause of great anxiety among patients, particularly as men (most notably younger men) are often embarrassed or reluctant to consult, which GPs need to be sensitive to. This article discusses some of the common and important testicular pathologies and emphasizes how a structured approach to the history and examination helps in making a clinical diagnosis.
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