I'm 14 years old and I've recently had aching testicles for a few hours a day
maybe twice a month. I thought it might be growing pains, but could it be due to masturbation
or because I keep my laptop on my lap constantly? Is it an infection? There are no
lumps but it seems to be faintly swelled. I have not injured my testicles.
– Luke*
It's good that you asked this question! Guys should always take testicular pain
seriously, even if there's no obvious injury. Some of the things that cause testicular
pain can lead to permanent damage if they go on for too long.
Because your pain keeps coming back and there might be some swelling, you should
tell a parent and call your doctor's office right away. It's possible that you are
having "growing pains," but only a doctor can tell for sure. Your doctor may send
you to a urologist, a specialist in conditions that affect a guy's reproductive system.
Masturbation will not cause the kind of pain that you describe. Neither will using
a laptop — though it's best to sit at a desk or table when using one. If you
can't do that, put a pillow between your body and your laptop.
*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.
Date reviewed: January 2015
