Tight Scrotum - Large Testes
I have very large testicles and most times they remain close to my body and not in a relaxed state. If I, however, take a hot bath, the scrotum will become relaxed. While this condition is not painful, it is uncomfortable. The testicles, sometimes, do not fit in the scrotal sac. Is there a name for this condition and what can I do to alleviate this condition.
Moreover, where can I read more about this. Thank you very much.
Our answer...
The condition that you are referring to is called cremasteric muscle reflex and is perfectly normal. The cremasteric muscle is the middle layer of the spermatic cord and when the muscle is relaxed the scrotum hangs down. When the muscle constracts, it pulls the scrotum closer to the body. The muscle reflex comes into play depending on ambient temperature, external stimulation, and sexual arousal, among other things.
For example, when a man jumps into cold water, the scrotum immediately contracts pulling the testes closer to the body to keep them warmer (commonly referred to as 'shrinkage'). When the body is immersed in warm water, the muscle relaxes and the testes hang lower to keep them cooler. External stimulation including fright will contract the cremateric muscle to pull the testes closer to the body. Similarly, sharp fingernails scaped along he thigh will cause the same reflex. Finally, during sexual arousal, the muscle contracts, pulling the testes closer to the body. After orgasm, the muscle relaxes and the scrotum is lower.
If muscle is tight, it might appear that the scrotum is too small for the testes. The only risk is prolonged contraction and keeping the testes close to the body may reduce sperm production.
If a lower-hanging scrotum is uncomfortable, you may want to wear briefs instead of boxers. But, again, keeping the testes too close to the body and overly warmed could impede sperm production. (Note: I have worn briefs since childhood and have two healthy children.)
For more information, check out...
http://anatome.ncl.ac.uk/tutorials/inguinal/text/page7.html