Treatment of Testicular Pain and Discomfort Caused by Hyperactive Cremaster Muscle
If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-212-204-6300.
We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners. Information for out-of-state and international patients. Find out our office hours or directions to our office.
We offer affordable appointment prices with or without insurance. Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.
Dr. Shteynshlyuger, MD, is a board-certified urologist in NYC who specializes in treating sexual, testicular, hormonal, and urinary problems in men. He has performed hundreds of penile and testicular surgeries, including testicular implants, penile implants, varicocelectomy, spermatic cord denervation, hydrocelectomy, adult circumcision, circumcision revision, vasectomy, surgery for enlarged prostate, and many other procedures.
Hyperactive and Hypersensitive Cremaster Muscles: What You Need to Know

Cremaster muscles are tiny muscle fibers that surround the testicle and spermatic cord. Cremaster muscles are involved in temperature regulation of the testis, among other functions. In hot weather, the cremasteric muscles relax, and the testicle often sits low in the scrotum. In times of stress and cold weather, the cremasteric muscles contract and pull the testis up in the scrotum. This is called the “cremasteric reflex” in response to temperature or pain (injury).
Some men have hyperactive cremaster muscles that pull the testis high up in the scrotum and the groin, often with minimal triggers. Occasionally, this can cause discomfort and pain. Several treatment options are available, including behavioral, medical (medications), and surgical treatments.
It is important to recognize that the testis and the skin covering the testis (scrotum) are different body parts. Some men are bothered by scrotal shrinkage or contraction of the scrotal skin. Contraction of the scrotal skin can also “raise” the testicle to sit higher. Contraction of the scrotal skin is caused by the dartos muscle of the scrotum. The contraction of the scrotum by the dartos muscle is a different problem from the testicle being pulled up by the cremaster muscles.
When pain and discomfort caused by hyper-reactive cremaster muscles occur often and are severe enough to affect the quality of life, a number of treatment options can be considered. Muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory medications can often help. Muscle paralyzing injections can be tried, but success is not predictable, given that the area where the muscles are present is difficult to inject with Muscle paralyzing injections precisely. The cremaster muscles are very thin and spread out around the spermatic cord. Precise injection is very challenging, and the presence of multiple blood vessels contributes to the complexity and risks of muscle-paralyzing injection use.
When other options do not provide sufficient relief of symptoms, cutting the cremaster muscles can provide relief in >70% of men. The procedure is called “cremaster muscle release” or “lysis of cremaster muscle.“ The procedure is often performed using a microscope and is called “Microscopic Subinguinal Cremaster Muscle Release” or “MSCMR”. MSCMR is an effective option for men with orchialgia. If the problem occurs on both sides, the procedure needs to be performed on both sides. If only one side is affected, the procedure is performed on the side where symptoms occur.
Not all men with testicular pain are candidates for the MSCMR procedure. Surgery is never the first option for the treatment of hyperactive cremaster muscles. Typically, other treatment options are tried first. Men who have no other identifiable causes of testicular pain and experience pain when the testis is pulled up and experience relief of pain when the testis comes down are the best candidates. Some men may have epididymitis that may mimic these symptoms. Other men might have pulled their pelvic muscles. A careful evaluation determines if a patient will likely benefit from surgery.
Surgical Lysis or Release of Cremasteric Muscles: What You Need to Know
Lysis of cremaster muscles can be performed under full general anesthesia or IV sedation. At New York Urology Specialists, it can be performed under local anesthesia, which is preferred by many men. Most men have minimal or no pain after the procedure. The procedure is performed through a small incision (about 2 inches) above the testis in the groin area.
Typically, it is performed as a same-day procedure, and the patient goes home the same day. Most men can return to work in 1-3 days. Detailed instructions are provided after surgery. Men are typically advised that they can take a shower the same day. Men are advised to avoid sexual activity for three weeks after the procedure.
If Cremaster Muscles are Cut, will the Testis Retract?
The goal of Cremaster release surgery is to cut them completely to prevent testicular retraction. Sometimes the procedure may not be 100% effective and some men may experience partial retraction of the testis. Under normal circumstances, if the surgery is 100% successful, there would not be testicular retraction.
The testis may be brought closer to the body when the scrotum shrinks as it does in cold weather, but the mechanism is different from testicular retraction, which is an active event controlled by the Cremaster muscles. The testicular elevation that is caused by scrotal “shrinkage” in cold weather or under stress is a passive event and is mediated by different muscle fibers that are present in the scrotal wall / scrotal skin.
If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-212-204-6300.
We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners. Information for out-of-state and international patients. Find out our office hours or directions to our office.
We offer affordable appointment prices with or without insurance. Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.
Did you know? Dr. Shteynshlyuger has performed over 1,000 penile, scrotal, testicular, kidney, bladder, and prostate surgeries, including testicular implants, hydrocelectomy, varicocelectomy, scrotoplasty, circumcisions, circumcision revisions, frenuloplasty, penile implants, Urolift, prostate enucleation, correction of Peyronie’s disease, and congenital penile curvature. He performs 150-200 penile surgeries a year.
Where to Get Treatment for Orchalgia Caused by Hyperactive Cremasteric Muscles in NYC?
At New York Urology Specialists, we offer same-day treatment for men. Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.
Call/text today: 1-212-204-6300 or make an appointment online.
We perform testicular implants, scrotal surgery, penile procedures, varicocele and hydrocele repair, and cosmetic circumcision. We offer treatment for phimosis, balanitis, missing testis, low testosterone, testicular pain, penile irritation, and redness. We treat sexual and erection problems and offer comprehensive STD testing for infections. We offer confidential appointments.
Our appointment costs are affordable with or without insurance. We offer free insurance verification.
We perform cystoscopies, penile sonograms, and testicular ultrasounds in our office. We offer testosterone replacement therapy, vasectomy, Urolift procedure, and water-vapor procedure in our office. We treat urinary and erection problems. We offer confidential appointments.
Cost of Men’s Health Treatment without Insurance
At New York Urology Specialists, we offer affordable treatment for men. Our prices are low for patients without insurance and for those who have high insurance copays, high deductibles, or insurance plans that do not cover treatment costs.
At New York Urology Specialists, we offer flat-fee, ‘all-costs-included’ procedures such as scrotal and testicular surgery, circumcision, no-scalpel vasectomy, testicular implant, vasectomy reversal, hydrocelectomy, varicocelectomy, and many more. The procedures are performed in our office under local anesthesia or sedation. Men from other states can save thousands of dollars over local hospital fees by coming to New York Urology Specialists for treatment. Please contact us for current prices and discounts for patients without insurance or with high insurance deductibles.
Cost of Treatment and Insurance
At New York Urology Specialists, we offer affordable treatment for men. Our prices are low for patients without insurance and for those who have high insurance copays, high deductibles, or insurance plans that do not cover treatment costs.
We accept many health insurance plans. We would be happy to verify your eligibility and benefits and provide you with detailed information on your health plan’s coverage. Financing options and credit options are available to help you pay for medical care.
Why Choose New York Urology Specialists for MSCMR?
- All treatment is performed by a board-certified urologist experienced in treating men with scrotal and testicular problems, testicular pain, and retractile testis using medical therapy, minimally invasive therapies, lasers, and surgery.
- We are one of the few practices in the region to offer a full range of options for the treatment of sexual, urinary, and erection problems in men.
- We offer treatment options for testicular pain, hyperactive Cremaster muscles, penile problems, male infertility, Peyronie’s disease, prostatitis, enlarged prostate, frequent urination, overactive bladder, and prostate cancer in our office. Office procedures avoid the risks, costs, and recovery from general anesthesia.
- We offer diagnostic testing in our office, which avoids hospital costs.
- Extensive experience: Thousands of men have been treated successfully with varicocelectomy, hydrocelectomy, testicular implants, orchiectomy, epididymal cyst removal, scrotoplasty, circumcision, penoscrotal web correction, spermatic cord denervation.
- Confidential and Understanding Care. We understand that most of our patients desire privacy. We see patients with a variety of urological problems. Your reason for visiting us is entirely confidential.
- We are conveniently located within a 30-60 minute commute to men who are seeking treatment for scrotal swelling, testicular and penile problems, erectile dysfunction, enlarged prostate, urinary problems, and cancer treatment in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester, Long Island, Bronx, and New Jersey.
What do Men’s Health Problems Look Like?
You can find pictures of men’s health problems as well as before and after treatment images in our image gallery.
Scheduling Appointments for Microscopic Cremaster Release Surgery at New York Urology Specialists
If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-212-204-6300.
We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners. Information for out-of-state and international patients. Find out our office hours or directions to our office.
We offer affordable appointment prices with or without insurance. Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.
Dr. Shteynshlyuger MD is a board-certified urologist in NYC who specializes in treating sexual, testicular, hormonal, urinary, and sexual problems in men. He has performed hundreds of penile and testicular surgeries, including testicular implants, penile implants, varicocelectomy, hydrocelectomy, adult circumcision, circumcision revision, vasectomy, surgery for enlarged prostate, and many other procedures.
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Treatment for Men With Fast Recovery at New York Urology Specialists
At New York Urology Specialists, our urologists are specially trained in the evaluation and treatment of men’s health concerns, including sexual problems and urinary problems in men. We understand the challenges that penile problems and testicular problems create for our patients, their relationships, and their self-esteem. We help you find a treatment for penile problems and testicular problems, including appearance concerns, foreskin problems, premature ejaculation, testicular pain, and erectile dysfunction, that fit your needs, lifestyle, and preferences.
Urologists are doctors specializing in the treatment of men with sexual problems that include penis problems, scrotal problems, and erectile dysfunction. By virtue of our experience and skill, we are able to offer an effective treatment option for nearly every man who desires an effective treatment for any problem that affects the penis. We offer medical and surgical treatment for men’s sexual problems.
We Treat Some of the Most Complex Men’s Health Problems, Including:
- Erectile dysfunction in men for whom oral pills do not work.
- Enlarged prostate
- Penile skin adhesions
- Phimosis Treatment
- Penile Pain During Sex
- Impotence in men with diabetes.
- Vasectomy
- Premature Ejaculation
- Prostate Cancer.
- Infertility and low sperm count
- Peyronie’s Disease
- Burning during urination
- Premature Ejaculation
- Frequent urination
- Urinary retention
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If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-212-204-6300.
We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners. Information for out-of-state and international patients. Find out our office hours or directions to our office.
We offer affordable appointment prices with or without insurance.






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