Q: Could my 8-month-old have testicular torsion even if the ER doctor said no?

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Question: My 8-month-old son developed a high fever, became lethargic, and vomited. During a diaper change, I noticed one of his testicles was sitting higher than the other and looked slightly red, though not swollen. He also seemed to have abdominal discomfort. We went to the ER, where the doctor examined him and felt confident it wasn't testicular torsion because my son wasn't in excruciating pain and there were no hard lumps. The doctor initially suggested a stomach bug. After I expressed more concern, the doctor re-examined him, found a red ear, diagnosed an ear infection, and prescribed antibiotics. We're home now, but his testicle still looks red and high, and I'm worried something was missed. Is it possible for an infant to have testicular torsion without extreme pain? Should I seek a second opinion?

Answer: First, regarding the testicles, it's naturally common for one to sit slightly higher than the other (your husband's are likely the same). While an ultrasound is the gold standard for diagnosis, testicular torsion causes immense pain, so we would typically expect to see significant signs of distress when examining the abdomen.

One thing to be cautious of is our tendency to place a lot of weight on something we've discovered ourselves.

The most important thing with a fever is to find the cause. If the doctor found clear evidence of an ear infection, the probability of a simultaneous testicular torsion is low. However, based on your post, it's a bit unclear if the doctor's final diagnosis was an ear infection or a stomach bug.

I hope your baby feels better soon. If the symptoms don't improve or if you notice any color changes in the testicle, it would be best to return to the hospital.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us