My tonsils have been hurting on and off, do they need to be removed?

Probably Not: The indication for tonsil removal is 6 documented strep infectioncs in one year, 4 infections 2 years in a row or or 3 infections 3 years in a row. Another reason would be massive tonsils that cause sleep apnea. Chronic mild throat tonsil pain often is caused by laryngopharyngeal reflux, snoring, allergies or other causes. Sounds like it should get checked out by a specialist.