male hormone on one side

Overview

When someone says 'male hormone on one side,' they usually mean a change they've noticed in one testicle. Testicles are the two glands that make sperm and testosterone (the main male hormone). A change might be a lump, swelling, pain, or a feeling of heaviness. Most changes are not cancer, but every change should be checked by a clinician.

Testicular lumps and swellings are fairly common. Many men will experience a benign (non-cancerous) lump at some point in their lives.

It can affect newborns, teenagers, and older men. Testicular cancer is most common in men aged 15 to 45, while other conditions like hydroceles (fluid-filled sacs) can happen at any age.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A lump or hard spot in one testicle
• Swelling or heaviness in the scrotum
• A dull ache in the groin or lower belly
• A change in how one testicle feels when touched

Symptoms in children

• Sudden swelling, redness, or tenderness in the scrotum — this can be a medical emergency
• A painless lump or swelling in the scrotum
• One testicle appearing larger than the other

Symptoms in older adults

• A firm, painless lump in one testicle
• Swelling that does not go away
• A feeling of dragging or heaviness in the scrotum

Causes

Main causes

• Hydrocele — a fluid-filled sac around a testicle
• Varicocele — enlarged veins in the scrotum
• Epididymitis — infection or inflammation of the tube behind the testicle
• Spermatocele — a cyst in the epididymis
• Testicular cancer — rare, but possible

Risk factors

• An undescended testicle at birth
• Family history of testicular cancer
• Previous testicular cancer in the other testicle
• Age most commonly between 15 and 45

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Sudden severe pain or a feeling of twisting inside the scrotum
• New painful swelling along with fever
• A lump that is growing quickly

Book a routine appointment if:

• Any new lump, bump, or change in either testicle
• An ongoing ache or discomfort in the scrotum
• A change in the size or firmness of a testicle

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse will ask about your symptoms and gently examine your scrotum and testicles. You will usually be offered an ultrasound scan, which is a painless imaging test that shows the inside of the scrotum.

Tests that may be done

• Ultrasound scan of the scrotum
• Urine test to check for infection
• Blood tests, if cancer is suspected, to measure tumour markers

What to expect at your appointment

The ultrasound takes about 15 to 20 minutes. A gel is applied to the scrotum, and a small handheld device is moved over the area. It is not painful. Results are usually available quickly, often the same day.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. Many lumps need no treatment at all. If there is an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If cancer is found, treatment may involve surgery and further therapy — but testicular cancer is highly curable when caught early.

Self-care at home

• Wear supportive underwear if you have discomfort
• Apply a cool compress for mild swelling
• Avoid strenuous activity until you have been assessed

Medical treatments

Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relief or anti-inflammatory medicines for mild discomfort, or antibiotics for an infection. Do not take any medicine without a prescription. If cancer is diagnosed, treatment usually begins with surgery to remove the affected testicle. Additional treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, may be recommended depending on the stage. Your oncology team will explain all options.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is needed if an ultrasound shows a suspicious mass, or if the testicle has twisted. Emergency surgery can save a twisted testicle if done quickly.

Living with this condition

After a testicular lump is diagnosed, you may be asked to do regular self-checks. Most men return to their normal routines quickly. If you have had one testicle removed, the remaining testicle can usually produce enough testosterone and sperm.

Lifestyle tips

• Perform monthly testicular self-exams in front of a mirror
• Note any changes in size, shape, or texture
• Wear a protective cup during contact sports

Diet and exercise

No specific diet prevents testicular cancer, but eating a balanced diet, staying active, and not smoking support overall health and recovery. Gentle exercise can also help with stress.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Finding a lump can cause anxiety and worry. It is normal to feel concerned. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to your doctor, a counsellor, or a trusted person. If you are in crisis, call your local emergency number or a crisis support line right away.

Prevention

There is no proven way to prevent testicular cancer. But early detection is key. Regular self-exams help you notice changes early, and prompt medical review gives the best chance of successful treatment.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for testicular cancer. Some vaccines, like the HPV vaccine, help prevent other cancers but are not specifically recommended for testicular cancer.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for testicular cancer. Doctors recommend being familiar with how your testicles normally feel and seeing a doctor promptly if anything changes.

Complications

If left untreated

• A twisted testicle can lose its blood supply and may need to be removed
• Infection can spread to other parts of the body
• Testicular cancer can spread to lymph nodes, lungs, or liver if not treated
• Delayed diagnosis can make treatment longer or harder

Long-term outlook

The outlook for testicular lumps is generally excellent. More than 95 out of 100 testicular cancers are cured when caught early. Even advanced cases have very good survival rates with modern treatment. Most non-cancerous lumps simply need monitoring and are not a danger.

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