A 28-year-old male asked:
can you explain the cremasteric reflex used to rule out torsion and can ice be used to test this reflex?
1 doctor answer
Dr. George Klauber answered
Specializes in Pediatric Urology
Cremasteric reflex: Is reflex contraction of cremaster muscle. Develops early, is maximal between ages 5 - 10 years, then wanes.Can pull testis into groin.Occurs if inner thigh or scrotum is touched or subject thinks he will be touched.Used to rule out torsion because spermatic cord is twisted & will not respond with reflex.Not 100% reliable if torsion is only 180degrees. Ice cube to thigh or scrotum can test reflex.
Answered on Jun 3, 2014
1
1 thank
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Related questions:
A 34-year-old male asked:
Dr. George Klauber answered
Specializes in Pediatric Urology
Testicle torsion: Almost always associated with very severe pain of sudden onset ; absent cremasteric reflex (not always)also testicle lies high in swollen scrotum ; ve ... Read More
A 29-year-old male asked:
Dr. Richard Zimon answered
58 years experience Internal Medicine
See a urologist: Testicular torsion usually is so painful that it is unlikely you could sit long enough to write a Health Tap question. The reflex you mention is varia ... Read More
1
1 thank
A 32-year-old male asked:
Dr. James Krick answered
35 years experience Urology
Orchalgia: Unlikely if the pain was "momentary" and two days have passed. If swelling and pain are significant (as it would be with torsion almost always) you s ... Read More
1
1 thank
A 32-year-old male asked:
Dr. Gerald Mandell answered
51 years experience Nuclear Medicine
Probably yes: When cremaster muscle contracts, it pulls the testicle up toward the body.When the environment is warm, the cremaster muscle is relaxed; when the envi ... Read More
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
People also searched for:
Connect by text or video with a U.S. board-certified doctor now — wait time is less than 1 minute!
Unlimited visits
$10/month