What it is
Andrology deals with conditions of the testicles, scrotum and penis: from the most common and benign, such as hydrocele, a short frenulum or genital warts, to those that need prompt assessment, such as a testicular lump.
Checking your testicles once a month, after a warm shower, helps you notice changes early. A hard lump should be shown to a specialist without delay.
Draft diagram: to be validated by Dr. Greco before launch.
Scrotum, hydrocele and varicocele
- Testis
- Epididymis
- Spermatic cord
- Hydrocele · fluid collected around the testis
- Varicocele · dilated veins of the spermatic cord
Simplified diagram, not to scale.
What we look at
- Testicular lumps, swelling or pain
- Varicocele and hydrocele
- Short frenulum, with pain or tearing during sex
- Phimosis and inflammation of the glans and foreskin
- Genital warts caused by HPV
- Penile curvature (Peyronie's disease)
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on:
- an andrology consultation
- testicular and penile colour Doppler ultrasound, often in the same visit
- further tests only when necessary
Treatment options
Many treatments are carried out in the clinic, often under local anaesthesia:
When not to wait
Go to the emergency department straight away if you have:
- sudden, severe pain in a testicle, especially with swelling, nausea or vomiting;
- a retracted foreskin that will not return to its normal position and makes the glans swell (paraphimosis).
Frequently asked questions
What is a short frenulum and how is it treated?
The frenulum is the small fold of skin that connects the foreskin to the glans. If it is too short it can cause pain, tension or small tears during erection and sex. It is corrected with a short outpatient procedure (frenulotomy or frenuloplasty) under local anaesthesia.
Does a varicocele always need surgery?
No. A varicocele is a swelling of the veins around the testicle, common in teenagers and young men. It is treated when it causes discomfort, affects fertility or, in teenagers, testicular growth. The decision is made after a consultation and ultrasound.
Can genital warts come back?
Yes, because the HPV virus that causes them can remain in the body. Besides removing them, it is important to attend follow-up visits and follow advice to reduce the risk of recurrence and of passing the virus to a partner. The HPV vaccine is also available for men.
This page provides general information and does not replace a consultation: every situation needs to be assessed by a specialist.