Consultant-Led Assessment for Chronic Scrotal Pain
Our chronic scrotal pain assessment is a structured, consultant-led package for men with persistent testicular or scrotal pain lasting three months or longer. It brings the initial evaluation and investigations together in a single appointment, with a clear plan at the end.
Chronic scrotal pain can range from a dull ache to sharper discomfort and may affect daily activities, sleep, or quality of life. The causes are often complex and in many men no single cause is found, so a structured assessment is used to identify contributing factors and guide management.
The assessment is led by Miss Judith Dockray, Consultant Urological Surgeon and Andrologist, at our Blaydon clinic.
When This Assessment May Be Appropriate
A chronic scrotal pain assessment may be helpful if you experience:
- Persistent Testicular or Scrotal Pain: Discomfort affecting one or both testicles lasting several weeks or months.
- Aching or Dragging Discomfort: Ongoing discomfort in the scrotum or groin.
- Pain Affecting Daily Life: Symptoms interfering with activity, work, sleep, or sexual function.
- Symptoms Not Improving: Ongoing pain despite previous treatment or reassurance.
A clinical assessment helps identify potential contributing factors and guide management.
Evidence-Based Clinical Approach
Chronic scrotal pain is recognised as a complex condition with multiple possible causes. Clinical guidance recommends a structured assessment to exclude underlying pathology before management is planned.
Our assessment package, led by Miss Dockray, brings the initial evaluation together in one structured pathway, and typically includes:
- Consultation and Examination: A detailed history and clinical examination of the scrotum and surrounding area.
- Urine Flow Rate Test (Uroflowmetry): A simple, non-invasive measurement of urinary flow.
- Bladder Scan for Residual Volume: An ultrasound check of how well the bladder empties.
- Urine Dipstick and Msu: Testing a urine sample to look for infection or other findings.
Where further investigation is needed, the following can be arranged as part of the pathway:
- Referral for Scrotal Ultrasound or MRI: Imaging where clinically indicated to assess the testicles or surrounding structures.
- Diagnostic Cord Block (if Required): A local anaesthetic injection performed in clinic that can help identify the source of pain and inform further management.
Management is tailored to the individual and is discussed with you following the assessment.
Who We Help
We support men from across Newcastle and the North East experiencing persistent scrotal symptoms, including:
Men With Chronic Testicular Pain
Persistent discomfort without a clear acute cause.
Men With Post-surgical or Post-vasectomy Pain
Ongoing scrotal discomfort following a previous procedure.
Men With Unexplained Scrotal Discomfort
Ongoing symptoms affecting quality of life.
Men Seeking Specialist Assessment
Patients who would like a structured evaluation and access to urological investigations.
Our Specialist
The chronic scrotal pain assessment at Newcastle Men’s Health is led by Miss Judith Dockray (Consultant Urological Surgeon and Andrologist). Miss Dockray has particular expertise in the assessment and management of chronic scrotal pain, having established a dedicated referral service for this condition and published on the subject. She holds an elected position on the Andrology Committee of the British Association of Urological Surgeons.
Miss Dockray provides specialist evaluation of scrotal pain and determines the need for further investigation, including imaging or a diagnostic cord block, where appropriate. Follow-up care is provided as part of the clinic’s men’s health service.
Getting to Our Newcastle Clinic
Newcastle Men’s Health is located within Blaydon Primary Care Centre, Shibdon Road, Blaydon-on-Tyne (NE21 5NW), just minutes from the A1 and the Metrocentre.
Our clinic is easily accessible for patients travelling from Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Durham, and across the wider North East. Free on-site parking is available at the centre.
Pricing and Insurance
We provide clear pricing for our specialist assessments to ensure clarity for our patients.
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Chronic scrotal pain assessment package £360
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Diagnostic cord block (if required) £450
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Scrotal ultrasound / MRI By referral — priced separately
This is a private, self-pay service. We can provide the necessary clinical letters for your insurance provider should you wish to seek reimbursement.
Chronic Scrotal Pain Assessment Approaches
Feature
General Management
Newcastle Men’s Health
Assessment
Variable
Consultant-led andrology assessment
Diagnostic investigations
Limited
In-clinic tests, with access to imaging where indicated
Approach
Symptom-based
Structured assessment based on underlying factors
Specialist input
Referral if needed
Direct access to consultant urology and andrology
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes chronic scrotal pain?
Chronic scrotal pain can have several possible causes, including nerve-related, inflammatory, or structural factors, and it can sometimes follow a previous procedure such as a vasectomy. In many men, no single cause is found, which is why a structured assessment is helpful.
What does the assessment involve?
The assessment package includes a consultation and examination, simple urinary tests, and a urine sample analysis. Where needed, imaging such as a scrotal ultrasound or MRI, or a diagnostic cord block in clinic, can be arranged as part of the pathway. Your clinician will explain which investigations are appropriate for you.
What is a diagnostic cord block?
A diagnostic cord block is a local anaesthetic injection given in clinic. By temporarily numbing the nerves supplying the testicle, it can help identify whether the pain is coming from that area and inform decisions about further management. Your clinician will explain what it involves and discuss it with you beforehand.
Will the assessment find the cause of my pain?
A structured assessment improves the chance of identifying contributing factors, but chronic scrotal pain does not always have a single identifiable cause. The aim is to exclude underlying problems, understand your symptoms, and guide a management plan tailored to you.
Will I need a scan?
Not always. Imaging such as an ultrasound or MRI is arranged where it is clinically indicated, based on your history and examination. Your clinician will discuss this with you if it is needed.
Is chronic scrotal pain a long-term condition?
For some men symptoms settle, while for others they can persist over time. The purpose of assessment is to understand the contributing factors and to discuss management options that may help reduce the impact of symptoms.
Glossary of Terms
- Chronic Scrotal Pain: Persistent pain in one or both testicles or the scrotum, usually lasting three months or longer.
- Uroflowmetry: A simple, non-invasive test that measures the rate of urine flow.
- Post-void Residual: The amount of urine left in the bladder after passing urine, measured by ultrasound.
- MSU: Midstream specimen of urine — a urine sample sent for laboratory testing.
- Cord Block: A local anaesthetic injection around the spermatic cord, used to help localise the source of scrotal pain.
- BAUS: The British Association of Urological Surgeons.
