goodtoknow says: Torsion of the testis is when a testis twists around in the scrotum. An emergency operation is usually needed to treat this condition.

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of torsion of the testis from patient.co.uk, read on.

Understanding the testes

The two testes lie in the scrotum. The spermatic cord is like a flexible tube that goes from each testis to the lower abdomen. The spermatic cord contains the blood vessels that take blood to and from the testis, and the vas deferens which takes sperm from the testis to the penis.

You can normally feel the spermatic cord through the skin of the scrotum just above the testis. It feels like a thick piece of string. The testes can move around a little in the scrotum, but cannot usually move enough to twist round fully.

What happens in a torsion (twisting) of the testis?

In some people the tissues that surround the testis in the scrotum are lax, and the testes can move around in the scrotum more than usual. If a testis twists round, the spermatic cord has to twist around too as it is 'fixed' higher up. If this happens, the blood flow to the testis is blocked in the twisted spermatic cord. (This is like a hose-pipe attached to a tap. The water will not flow if the hose gets twisted on itself.)

A testis with its blood supply cut off is likely become damaged and 'die' unless the blood flow is quickly restored.

Who gets torsion of the testis?

It most commonly occurs in teenage boys, shortly after puberty. New-born babies sometimes develop this problem. It is uncommon over the age of 25.

What are the symptoms of torsion of the testis?

The typical symptom is severe pain that develops quickly - within a few hours, often much quicker. The pain is in the affected testis, but you may also feel it in the middle of the abdomen (due to a shared nerve supply). In about half of cases, symptoms start in the night, and the pain wakes you from sleep. The affected testis soon becomes tender, swollen, and inflamed.

• Next: What is the treatment for torsion of the testis in children?

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