My left testicle is swollen with a dull ache now and then . can feel no lumps. my dad has had a hernia before. could this b the start of a hernia?

Swollen testicle: If your testicle is swollen because of a hernia, it would not be the start of a hernia. Before a hernia reaches the testicle, it would have to travel through the groin canal to get there. Usually, men are aware of that well before it reaches down to the testicle. I believe, you will need to see doc to have him look at your testicle.