Pain in one testicle can range from something mild to a true emergency, so the key is how it started, how bad it is, and what other symptoms you have.

Fast safety checklist (read this first)

Get urgent, same‑day medical help (ER / emergency department or urgent care) if you have:

  • Sudden, severe pain in one testicle, especially if it woke you up or started out of nowhere.
  • A testicle sitting higher than usual or twisted/lying at a strange angle.
  • Nausea or vomiting together with testicle pain.
  • The scrotum is very red, swollen, or extremely tender.
  • Pain after an injury that doesn’t quickly ease or is getting worse.
  • Fever, feeling very unwell, or trouble peeing at the same time as the pain.

Those can be signs of testicular torsion , a twisted testicle that can lose its blood supply and sometimes has only a few hours’ window to save it.

If you’re not sure whether it’s an emergency, act as if it is and get checked in person.

Common reasons a right testicle might hurt

Pain on the right side is usually from the same kinds of problems that can affect either testicle; it just happens to be on that side this time.

Some of the more common causes include:

  • Epididymitis (tube behind the testicle is inflamed)
    • Often causes a gradually worsening ache, swelling, and tenderness, sometimes with burning when you pee or discharge.
* It can be due to a sexually transmitted infection or a urinary infection and usually needs antibiotics.
  • Testicular torsion (twisted testicle – emergency)
    • Typically sudden, severe pain, often in just one testicle, sometimes with lower‑abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
* The testicle may sit higher or look rotated; it needs urgent surgery to untwist it and restore blood flow.
  • Injury/trauma (hit, sports, tight clothing)
    • A blow or crush to the testicle can cause sharp pain and bruising.
* Even if you “just bumped it,” persistent or severe pain still needs checking to rule out more serious damage.
  • Varicocele (swollen veins), hydrocele, or cysts
    • Can feel like a dull ache or heaviness, sometimes described as a “bag of worms” above the testicle (varicocele), or fluid‑filled swelling (hydrocele or spermatocele).
* Usually not an emergency but should be assessed, especially if new or changing.
  • Orchitis (inflamed testicle)
    • Often causes swelling, pain, and sometimes fever, and can be linked to viruses like mumps or bacterial infections.
  • Pain referred from somewhere else
    • Hernias, kidney stones, back problems, or abdominal conditions can all “send” pain down to the testicle area.
* You might feel groin pulling, abdominal pain, back pain, or pain when lifting or straining.

How doctors usually think it through

When you see a doctor, they’ll focus on:

  • Timing and onset – sudden vs gradual, constant vs on‑and‑off.
  • Location and appearance – one side or both, any swelling, redness, or higher‑than‑normal position.
  • Other symptoms – fever, nausea, urinary symptoms, discharge, recent sexual activity, injury, or heavy lifting.

They may examine your abdomen and groin, check your reflexes, and often order an ultrasound of the scrotum to look at blood flow and structures.

Blood tests or urine tests may be added if infection or other conditions are suspected.

What you can (and shouldn’t) do right now

While you are arranging real‑life medical care:

  • Do not ignore severe or sudden pain – that’s not something to “wait and see” about.
  • Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or sex until you know the cause.
  • You can support the scrotum with snug (not tight) underwear and rest lying down to see if that eases mild, non‑sudden discomfort.
  • Over‑the‑counter pain relief might help mild pain, but never use painkillers as a way to “mask” a potentially serious problem like torsion.

Online communities (like Reddit) are full of people saying “I was scared to tell anyone but finally went to a doctor, and it was the right move.”

That’s the pattern to follow: embarrassment is temporary; losing a testicle or missing a serious condition can be permanent.

Bottom line

Right‑sided testicle pain can be from infection, minor strain, or vein/fluid issues, but it can also be a sign of testicular torsion or another serious condition that needs rapid treatment.

Because I can’t examine you, the safest move is to get in‑person medical care as soon as possible, especially if the pain is sudden, severe, or getting worse. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.