Last updated on August 5, 2020
Question:
Should one testicle hang lower than the other? What causes one testicle to hang lower than the other?
Answer:
Yes, the two testicles should hang at slightly different heights. If you think for a moment, the answer is fairly clear. Your testicles hang just in front of your legs. Each time you move your legs, you push the testicle on that side forward. If the two testicles hung at the same height, they would be constantly banging into each other. And running would become a pain — literally!
By being oval in shape and hung at slightly different heights, the testicles are free to move and slide past each other.
Each testicle hangs on a cord. The length of the left cord is generally slightly longer than the right, making the left testicle hang slightly lower than the right testicle. The other end of the cords are attached to muscles in the pelvis that raise or lower the testicles. When you are active, the testicles are raised to avoid getting bumped as you run. When you get sexually excited and have an erection, the testicles are also raised so they will not be bumped during intercourse. They are also raised when you get cold to keep the testicles warm. When you are hot, they are lowered away from the body so that they can be cooled.