A few weeks ago I began experiencing a persistent ache in my testicles that had lasted over a week. I had been biking because of the nice weather, but I for some reason didn't think it was related. Since I looked at the symptoms online and it said there could be an infection, I decided to have it checked out.
I went to the clinic, and it is always interesting when you have to tell the receptionist what you are coming in for. There was one other person (female, late 20's) in the waiting room.
"And what is the reason for your visit?" Asked the woman behind the counter.
"Um... I have a persistent ache in my... testicles." I finally got it out, a bit embarrassing but it only heightened my excitement about the exam that would be taking place.
The receptionist/nurse said OK and went back to her computer. She said that i would be called in a couple minutes.
I didn't have to wait long before another nurse called me in. She let me to the exam room and took my blood pressure. She again asked me what my symptoms were. She took notes for the doctor and then asked me if I would prefer a male or female doctor. I told her I would be more comfortable with a female doctor, and while she seemed a bit surprised, she said it wouldn't be a problem. She gave me a gown and told me to undress and wait for the doctor.
I undressed and the minute i was naked my penis became completely erect. I put the gown on but was embarrassed by how I was 'tent-poling' the gown. I decided to put my tighty whiteys back on for now.
The doctor came in and introduced herself. She was very friendly and put me at ease. She again asked my symptoms. I told her that my testicles were aching.
"How long?" Over a week
"Is it more on the right or left testicle?" A little more to the left
"have you been injured?" no, but I have been biking
"Any trouble or pain urinating?" no
"Any possibility of an STD?" No... she then apologized for asking but said she asks everybody.
She noticed in my chart that I had a hernia. I told her it had been repaired, and no, i was not experiencing pain in that area.
"Any prostate cancer history in your family?" I told her I didn't know.
"Ok" she said, "Please stand in front of me and lift your gown.
I did as told, forgetting I left my briefs on. "Oh sorry," I said, turning a little red. I could see that there was a very noticeable wet spot of pre cum that was now at her eye level as she sat on the stool."
I lowered my briefs to the floor and she began the exam. She grasped my scrotum in both hands very gently rolling my testicles in her fingers. She asked if I felt any pain. I did not, just some pressure. She lifted and lowered my scrotum, and asked if the pain changed. I said it felt a little better when she raised them. She felt my balls a little more and then said she didn't find anything unsual. But she said to make sure she didn't miss anything she would like me to go to the lab and get a testicular ultrasound.
At this point I agreed to do so and she asked me if I had any questions. I said yes, when I was reading online, I found that achey testicles could be a symptom of an infection of the prostate... did she think this was possible?
I was hoping for a DRE as I have never had one.
She said "no" unfortunately, and said that she thought this was unlikely since I was not having any pain or difficulty urinating.
From there I went immediately to the lab for the ultrasound.
The tech (male) had me lie down on the table. he told me to lift my gown to my waist. I did as told, exposing my genitals and my penis was still partially erect. He put a towel across my penis and asked me to hold my hand over the towel and penis. I then found out why this was a good idea as he squirted the gel onto my scrotum... I involuntarily contracted all the muscles in my genital region and my penis became fully erect under my towel and hand. He then took the ultrasound wand and placed it on my scrotum (another contraction). For the next twenty minutes (at least!) he massaged my testicles while watching the ultrasound machine. It was actually very pleasant and caused numerous muscle contractions when he rolled over sensitive areas.
Finally he finished and gave me a towel to wipe off my balls and a little bit that he got on my penis. I sat up and attempted to wipe off the gel, but it was kind of difficult. So finally i just got dressed and went back to see the doc who would explain the results.
Waiting for the doc was the most nerve wracking part of the exam as I was worried that he might have found something in the ultrasound.
The doctor came in and said, nothing to worry about, but you have a small vericocele on the left side and it may have been what is causing the pain. She explained what it was and said it was so small that nothing would have to be done about it if I wasn't bothered by it in the future. She told me to take advil, stay off the bike for awhile and see if it improves. She said then go buy some good biking shorts haha.
The pain has gone away but I have my annual physical coming up in a few weeks that i hope will include a checkup of that situation.