Pain in the left side of the stomach and testicle

The abdomen, groin, and testicle share nerve pathways, so pain can be felt away from its source. A groin strain or hernia may worsen with lifting, coughing, or standing. Bowel problems such as diverticular disease, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, Crohn's disease, or coeliac disease may cause abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, constipation, or bloating. Gastritis and acid reflux usually affect the upper abdomen, while gallstones more often cause right-sided upper pain. Infection or inflammation around the testicle can cause tenderness, swelling, urinary burning, or discharge. The symptom pattern matters more than the side alone.

Rest from heavy lifting, support the scrotum with close-fitting underwear, and note the onset, severity, swelling, bowel changes, urinary symptoms, and any injury. Do not massage a painful or swollen testicle. A clinician should assess new testicular pain, even when abdominal symptoms seem mild; examination may include the abdomen, groin, and scrotum, with urine testing or imaging when needed. Avoid self-treating with leftover antibiotics.

Go to urgent care immediately for sudden severe testicular pain, a high-riding or twisted-looking testicle, rapid swelling, severe nausea or vomiting, faintness, or pain after significant injury. Seek prompt help for fever with scrotal pain, inability to pass urine, blood in urine or stool, or a rigid and worsening abdomen. Testicular twisting can threaten blood flow and needs rapid treatment.

Explain whether the testicle or abdomen hurt first, whether movement changes the pain, and whether there is a lump, swelling, urinary change, bowel change, fever, or sexual-health concern. Ask whether you need urgent imaging and what activity is safe while symptoms settle.