Scrotal temperature reflects intratesticular temperature and is lowered by shaving

Intratesticular and scrotal skin temperatures were measured in 34 men undergoing scrotal or inguinal surgical procedures under general anesthesia. Scrotal temperatures were measured before and after a dry scrotal shave. Intratesticular temperature was measured under direct vision with a needle thermistor. Linear regression analysis revealed a strong correlation between intratesticular and scrotal skin temperatures. In addition, simple scrotal shaving significantly decreased scrotal skin temperature. These observations suggest that scrotal skin temperature measurements may be useful to detect elevations of intratesticular temperature and scrotal shaving may be a useful adjunct for testicular cooling.