Emergency Signs in Men's Health: When to Go to the ER
While our clinic manages a wide range of non-urgent men's health issues, it's critical to recognize the symptoms of a true medical emergency that requires immediate attention at the nearest hospital emergency room (ER). **This page is for informational purposes only. If you believe you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency services.**
Testicular Torsion
Symptom: Sudden, severe pain in one testicle, often with swelling, nausea, and vomiting.
Why it's an emergency: The spermatic cord has twisted, cutting off all blood supply to the testicle. There is a very short window (usually 4-6 hours) to surgically untwist it and save the testicle from dying.
Priapism
Symptom: A persistent, painful erection lasting more than 4 hours that is not caused by sexual stimulation.
Why it's an emergency: Blood has become trapped in the penis and is not getting oxygen. If not treated promptly, this can cause permanent damage to the erectile tissue and lead to severe, irreversible erectile dysfunction.
Fournier's Gangrene
Symptom: Rapidly progressing pain, swelling, and redness of the genitals or perineum, often with fever, chills, and a foul odor. The skin may become dusky or black.
Why it's an emergency: This is a rare but extremely aggressive, flesh-eating bacterial infection of the genital area. It is life-threatening and requires immediate surgical debridement and powerful antibiotics.
Other Urgent Symptoms
You should also seek prompt medical care if you experience:
- An inability to urinate.
- High fever accompanied by severe flank pain (potential kidney infection).
- Traumatic injury to the genitals.
When in Doubt, Don't Wait
Our clinic is here for your non-urgent specialty care needs. For any of the symptoms listed above, please proceed directly to the nearest emergency room for evaluation.