Third Testicle: Why It Feels Like I Have 3

Ever wondered, "why does it feel like I have 3 testicles?" You're not alone, and while it can be kind of worrying, there's actually a bunch of reasons this might be happening. Sometimes, it’s not as bad as you think. It might be something harmless, but other times it could mean you need to check with a doc. Let's go over what could cause that feeling and what it could mean for your fertility and health.

What’s the Deal with a Third Testicle?

One possible explanation for the feeling of a third testicle is something super rare called polyorchidism. Basically, it's a condition where a guy is born with an extra testicle, usually three. It’s pretty rare though. There’s only about 200 known cases out there, so it’s not something that happens to a lot of people [1]. Most of the time, this extra testicle is in the scrotum, but sometimes it might be up in the groin or abdomen. The weird thing is, it doesn’t usually cause any issues, but having polyorchidism might put you at a slightly higher risk for testicular cancer [2].

So, Why Does It Feel Like I Have 3 Testicles?

Now, if you’re asking yourself, "why does it feel like I have 3 testicles?", there are actually a few more common reasons for that sensation. Understanding male body anatomy can help clarify unusual sensations like feeling a third testicle. One reason is something called a spermatocele, which is basically a fluid-filled cyst that forms in the epididymis (a tube behind the testicle). They’re usually not a big deal, painless, and don’t cause much trouble, but they can make things feel a little “off” down there [3]. Some guys even think they have a third testicle because of it.

Another reason could be epididymitis, which is when the epididymis gets inflamed. This can happen because of infections like urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) [4]. Epididymitis usually causes some pain and swelling, making it feel like there’s an extra mass in your scrotum.

Does It Mess With Fertility?

A lot of guys who feel like they have 3 testicles start worrying about their fertility. But honestly? In most cases, it doesn’t mess with your ability to have kids. Whether it’s an extra testicle from polyorchidism or something like a spermatocele, fertility is usually just fine [5].

But, if you are trying to conceive, it’s super important to take care of your reproductive health. Things like zinc and folic acid are great for supporting sperm health. Zinc helps with sperm production, while folic acid is good for making sure your cells grow properly, which is important for both sperm and eggs [6]. Magnesium is also really helpful for keeping your hormones in check, which is important when you’re trying to make a baby. Fertility supplements with these nutrients can make a big difference in boosting fertility, especially for men [7].

Should You Worry About Treatment?

The good news? Most of the time, neither polyorchidism nor other causes of a third testicle sensation need any treatment at all unless they’re causing you pain or discomfort. Regular self-checks and doctor visits should be enough to keep things in check. However, if something is painful or doesn’t seem right, your doctor may order some imaging tests like an ultrasound to make sure it’s nothing serious, like testicular cancer [8].

If necessary, treatment might include medication for infections (if that’s the cause), or even surgery if there’s a cyst or something that’s really bothering you. But that’s pretty rare [9].

The Bottom Line

So, if it feels like you have 3 testicles, don’t panic. There’s usually a simple explanation of the third testicle, and most of the time, it’s not something that will affect your fertility. Whether it’s polyorchidism, a spermatocele, or something like epididymitis, staying proactive with your health and making sure you’re getting the right nutrients like zinc, folic acid, and magnesium can go a long way in supporting your reproductive health [10].

If something feels off or you’re trying to conceive and having issues, it’s always a good idea to chat with a healthcare professional. They can help figure out what’s going on and get you back on track.

FAQs

What is polyorchidism?

Polyorchidism is a super rare condition where males are born with an extra testicle, usually three.

Can polyorchidism make it hard to have kids?

Most of the time, having polyorchidism doesn’t impact fertility. The extra testicle usually works just fine.

Why do I feel like I have 3 testicles?

It could be a condition like spermatocele (a cyst) or epididymitis (inflammation), both of which can cause swelling in the scrotum.

Should I be worried if I feel like I have 3 testicles?

Not necessarily, but it’s always a good idea to get it checked out by a doctor to rule out anything serious.

What nutrients help with male fertility?

Zinc, folic acid, and magnesium are all great for boosting sperm health and supporting overall reproductive function.

Citations

Mazketly M, Aleter O, Brimo Alsaman MZ, Bazkke B, Jouda ME, Kayyali A. A rare case of polyorchidism in a 40-year-old man. A case report. Ann Med Surg (Lond). Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8144338/
Artul S, Habib G. Polyorchidism: two case reports and a review of the literature. J Med Case Rep. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25539715/
Leslie SW, Sajjad H, Villanueva CA. Cryptorchidism. StatPearls. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470270/
Redfern TR, English PJ, Baumber CD, McGhie D. The aetiology and management of acute epididymitis. Br J Surg. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6383513/
Parekattil, Sijo & Esteves, Sandro & Agarwal, Ashok. (2020). Male Infertility Contemporary Clinical Approaches, Andrology, ART and Antioxidants: Contemporary Clinical Approaches, Andrology, ART and Antioxidants. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338816727_Male_Infertility_Contemporary_Clinical_Approaches_Andrology_ART_and_Antioxidants_Contemporary_Clinical_Approaches_Andrology_ART_and_Antioxidants
Schisterman EF, Sjaarda LA, Clemons T, Carrell DT, Perkins NJ, Johnstone E, Lamb D, Chaney K, Van Voorhis BJ, Ryan G, Summers K, Hotaling J, Robins J, Mills JL, Mendola P, Chen Z, DeVilbiss EA, Peterson CM, Mumford SL. Effect of Folic Acid and Zinc Supplementation in Men on Semen Quality and Live Birth Among Couples Undergoing Infertility Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2020 Jan 7;323(1):35-48. doi: 10.1001/jama.2019.18714. Erratum in: JAMA. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31910279/
Li X, Zeng YM, Luo YD, He J, Luo BW, Lu XC, Zhu LL. Effects of folic acid and folic acid plus zinc supplements on the sperm characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of infertile men: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10395467/
Kumar K, Kumari M, Kumar V, Suman SK. Evaluation of Scrotal Pathologies by Ultrasound and Color Doppler. Cureus. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10133834/
Zhao L, Yu Z, Zhang Z. Microscopic Cyst Resection for the Treatment of Patients Diagnosed with Epididymal Cyst. J Vis Exp. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37067264/
Hou Y, Zhang Y, Li G, Wang W, Li H. Microsurgical Epididymal Cystectomy does not Impact Upon Sperm Count, Motility or Morphology and is a Safe and Effective Treatment for Epididymal Cystic Lesions (ECLs) in Young Men With Fertility Requirements. Urology. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30142407/