There are a few potential reasons why your nut may feel cold:
Poor Circulation
One of the most common reasons for a cold nut is poor circulation in the area. The testicles need good blood flow in order to maintain a proper temperature. Conditions that affect circulation like diabetes, atherosclerosis, varicoceles, or even wearing tight underwear can restrict blood flow and cause the testicles to become colder.
Low Testosterone
Testosterone plays a vital role in regulating the temperature of the testicles. Men with low testosterone, either due to hypogonadism, aging, or other medical conditions, may notice their testicles feeling colder than normal. This is because low testosterone leads to constriction of the blood vessels and reduced blood flow.
Previous Injury or Surgery
If you have had any previous injury or surgery involving the testicles or groin area, this can sometimes impact circulation or nerve function in the region. For example, procedures like vasectomy, hernia repair, or testicular torsion treatment may contribute to a chronic cold sensation in one or both testicles.
Varicocele
A varicocele is a dilation of the veins that drain blood from the testicle and scrotum. Varicoceles are fairly common, affecting around 15% of men, and a common symptom is feeling that one testicle is colder than the other. The pooling of blood in the varicocele veins can obstruct circulation and cause a decrease in temperature.
Hydrocele
A hydrocele occurs when there is a buildup of fluid around the testicle inside the scrotum. This fluid can act as a barrier to warmth and give the sensation that the testicle itself and scrotal sack feel unusually cold even when the surrounding temperature is normal.
Testicular Torsion
In rare cases, an extremely cold nut may be the result of testicular torsion. Testicular torsion is when the spermatic cord becomes twisted, cutting off the blood supply. This is a medical emergency requiring urgent surgery to prevent testicular damage. Symptoms include sudden, severe testicular pain along with swelling, hardness, and coldness in the affected testicle.
Infection
Infections of the testicles, prostate, seminal vesicles, and urethra can sometimes extend into the scrotal area and cause swelling or inflammation that makes the scrotum feel cold. Conditions like epididymitis, orchitis, and prostatitis may be accompanied by this cold sensation in some individuals.
Retractile Testes
Some males have retractile testes, meaning the testicles occasionally pull back up into the lower abdomen. When retracted, the testicles are inside the warmer abdominal cavity instead of the cooler environment of the scrotum. Some men with retractile testes report that one or both testicles feel noticeably colder whenever they descend back down into the scrotum.
Anxiety
Feelings of anxiety can actually cause changes in temperature regulation in some cases. For men, stress and anxiety may trigger the scrotum and testicles to tighten up closer to the body. This action can limit blood flow to the area, resulting in the sensation of colder testicles. Finding ways to relax both body and mind can help.
Fertility Issues
There is some evidence that in certain cases, colder testicles may be linked to reduced fertility. One study found that men with poor semen quality tended to have lower scrotal temperatures compared to men with normal fertility. However, more research is still needed to understand this possible association.
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, a slightly cooler nut is nothing to be concerned about. But if you notice a more severe coldness or numbness in one or both testicles, this should be evaluated by a doctor. It’s especially important to seek medical care if the coldness is accompanied by swelling, pain, lumps, or other unusual symptoms. This could indicate an underlying condition like torsion, infection, or varicocele that requires treatment.
Improving Circulation and Temperature
Here are some tips that may help improve circulation and temperature regulation in the genital region:
- Wear loose, breathable underwear and avoid restrictive clothing.
- Exercise regularly to boost overall blood flow.
- Stay warm – cold environments can reduce testicular temperature.
- Manage medical conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Stop smoking and limit alcohol which can impair circulation.
- Apply warm compresses or take warm baths to increase blood flow.
- Reduce stress and anxiety levels through relaxation techniques.
- Get checked for varicoceles or hydroceles if you notice consistent asymmetry.
When to See a Doctor
In most situations, a slightly cooler testicle is not a major cause for concern. However, if you experience other symptoms along with a cold nut such as:
- Severe or worsening pain
- Visible swelling of the scrotum
- Hard lump or mass felt in the testicle
- Redness of the scrotal skin
- Fever or flu-like symptoms
- Discharge or bleeding from the penis
- Changes in ejaculation
- Ongoing problems with urination
- Trauma to the genital area
It’s important to see a doctor promptly. These types of symptoms could potentially signify an infection, testicular torsion, varicocele, cancer, or other condition requiring medical treatment.
When to See a Doctor
Here are some of the key warning signs that warrant prompt medical evaluation:
- Severe, sudden pain in one testicle
- Hard, swollen testicle with cold sensation
- Visible enlargement or lump in the testicle or scrotum
- Redness, heat, or discharge from a testicle
- Fever higher than 100°F (37.8°C)
- Pain, swelling, or inflammation in the scrotal/groin region
- Trauma such as a kick or blow to the testicles
- Ongoing difficulty urinating or changes in force of urinary stream
- Blood in the semen or urine
If you notice any of these more serious symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is key for many testicular conditions.
Preventive Care for Optimal Testicular Health
To help keep your testicles in top condition and prevent issues like discomfort or coldness, focus on good preventive health practices:
- Do regular testicular self-exams to check for any lumps, swelling, pain, or other abnormalities.
- Get an annual physical exam including a testicular exam from your doctor.
- Practice safe sex and get STI testing if appropriate.
- Wear protective athletic cups during contact sports or dangerous work.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Don’t smoke, use recreational drugs, or abuse alcohol.
- Avoid extended bicycling sessions which can compress nerves and vessels.
- Manage medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Following these tips will help keep your testicles healthy, prevent many common problems, and allow you to get treatment promptly if any issues do arise.