Title: Testicular Injury: A Man's Waterloo Word Count: 659 Summary: Testicles are very vulnerable and can be injured in a variety of ways. While testicular injuries are quite uncommon, guys must not take it for granted as such accidents could happen which may lead to male sexual health problems. Keywords: male sexual health Article Body: Wherever there are boys, you can almost always expect physical action. The very rowdy bunch could even get involved in brawls and fights. But most men are typically just sports-minded and energetic. Men will always try to appear strong and mighty. But there is one area in a man's body where they tend to be tender and vulnerable: the crotch. Though testicular injuries are relatively uncommon, guys must not discount the fact that such accidents could happen and lead to male sexual health problems. Guys who are very much involved in sports such as lifting weights, or those who exercise a lot and lead a very active lifestyle are aware of this fact. That their testicles are very vulnerable and can be injured in a variety of ways makes them extra careful about their genitals. Unlike other parts and organs of the body, the testicles are not protected by bones and muscles. They hang in a sac outside the body called the scrotum which make them prime targets to be accidentally struck on the playing field or injured during strenuous exercise and activity. However, because the testicles are loosely attached to the man's body and are made of a spongy material, they are able to absorb most collisions without permanent damage. Testicles, although sensitive, can bounce back pretty quickly and minor injuries rarely have long-term effects. Definitely, it will cause pain if the testicles are struck or kicked, which may lead to a feeling of nausea for a short time. For minor testicular injury, pain should gradually subside in less than an hour and any other symptoms should go away. In the meantime, over-the-counter pain relief can make you feel better or you may do some simple remedies such as lying down, applying ice packs to the affected area or wearing supportive underwear. However, avoiding strenuous activity for a while and taking it easy for a few days can be of great help. Two of the most serious testicular injuries are testicular torsion and testicular rupture. Testicular torsion is not a common injury but affects guys between 12 to 18 years old. In the case of testicular torsion, the testicle twists around, cutting off its blood supply. This can occur due to a serious trauma to the testicles, strenuous activity, or even for no apparent reason. It is very critical to see a doctor as soon as possible - within 6 hours of the time the pain starts. Unfortunately, after 6 hours, there is a much greater possibility that complications in male sexual health functions could result, including reduced sperm production or the loss of the testicle. The problem may be fixed by a doctor manually untwisting the testicle. If that doesn't work, surgery will be necessary. On the other hand, testicular rupture is a rare type of testicular trauma. This can happen when the testicle receives a forceful direct blow or when the testicle is crushed against the pubic bone causing blood to leak into the scrotum. Testicular rupture, like testicular torsion and other serious injuries to the testicles, causes extreme pain, swelling in the scrotum, nausea and vomiting. To avoid male sexual health problems, surgery is necessary to repair the ruptured testicle. Consulting a doctor will require the length of time pain is being experienced by the patient and how severe the discomfort is. To rule out a hernia or other problem as the cause of the pain, the doctor will examine the abdomen and groin. Moreover, the doctor will look at the scrotum for swelling, color, and damage to the skin and examine the testicle itself. A urine test to rule out urinary tract infection or infection of the reproductive organs may also be conducted. Being involved in sports activities and living an active lifestyle are great ways to stay fit and relieve stress. Just make sure you are wearing support and protective gear to avoid testicular injury and male sexual health problems especially when the game turns rough and reckless.