What causes hard eggs?

Egg hardness usually refers to abnormal hardness in the scrotum or testicle area, which may be caused by physiological factors such as sexual excitement, low temperature stimulation, or pathological factors such as orchitis, varicocele, and testicular torsion.

1. Sexual excitement:

Sexual stimulation will cause the corpus cavernosum to become congested and erect, and at the same time, the contraction of the cremaster muscle will lift and harden the testicles, which is a normal physiological phenomenon. This situation usually lasts from a few minutes to half an hour, and the hardness eases naturally after the sexual excitement subsides, without any special treatment. Frequent erections may cause a swollen feeling in the scrotum, so it is recommended to divert attention appropriately.

2. Low temperature stimulation:

The skin of the scrotum is sensitive to temperature changes. When it is cold, the muscles of the scrotum contract, causing the skin of the scrotum to shrink and the testicles to lift up and harden. This is the body's protective mechanism to maintain a constant temperature of the testicles. Continuous stimulation from a cold environment may cause local blood circulation to slow down. It is recommended to keep warm and avoid prolonged exposure to low temperature environments.

3. Orchitis:

Testicular inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection can cause local swelling and hardening, often accompanied by severe pain, fever and other symptoms. Common pathogens include E. coli, mumps virus, etc. Bed rest and antibiotic treatment are required in the acute phase, and chronic inflammation may affect spermatogenic function.

4. Varicocele:

When the spermatic vein return is blocked, abnormal expansion of the venous plexus in the scrotum will make the testicles hard. Symptoms will worsen after standing for a long time, and may be accompanied by a feeling of swelling. Severe varicose veins may affect the temperature regulation function of the testicles, leading to a decrease in sperm quality. Mild cases can be relieved by scrotal support, while severe cases require surgical treatment.

5. Testicular torsion:

Rotation of the spermatic cord will block the blood supply to the testicles, causing sudden hardening of the testicles and severe pain, which is a urological emergency. It mostly occurs in teenagers, and the golden time for treatment is within 6 hours of onset. Delay in treatment may lead to testicular necrosis, requiring immediate surgical reduction and fixation.

You should pay attention to the changes in scrotal hardness on a daily basis, wear loose and breathable cotton underwear, and avoid riding or sitting for long periods of time. Physiological hardening can be relieved by taking a warm water sitz bath. If the hardness persists for more than 2 hours and is accompanied by symptoms such as pain, fever, abnormal urination, or if abnormal testicular masses are touched, you should seek medical advice from a urology department in time. Regular self-examination of the shape and texture of the testicles, and using the palm of your hand to gently support the scrotum to compare the size and weight differences on both sides while bathing can help detect lesions early. Maintain moderate exercise to promote pelvic blood circulation and avoid excessive intake of spicy food.