What is testicular torsion?

Also known as: torsion of testes, torsion of the spermatic cord.

Each testis is connected to the penis by a spermatic cord which contains blood vessels, nerves, muscles and a tube to carry sperm to the penis. Testicular torsion is the medical term for when a testicle rotates and twists the spermatic cord cutting off its blood supply. While uncommon, testicular torsion is a medical emergency as the lack of blood supply to the testis may destroy it if left untreated, in 4-6 hours.

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Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM