Which condition is characterized by acute onset of pain in the scrotum and may also present with nausea and vomiting?

Testicular torsion is characterized by an acute onset of severe scrotal pain, which can be sudden and often occurs without warning. Affected individuals may also experience accompanying symptoms such as nausea and vomiting due to the intense pain and potential systemic effects of the condition. It is a surgical emergency that occurs when the spermatic cord becomes twisted, compromising the blood supply to the testicle, which can lead to tissue necrosis if not immediately addressed.

In contrast, epididymitis typically develops more gradually, often accompanied by symptoms like fever and dysuria, rather than the abrupt pain seen in torsion. Chronic prostatitis can cause pelvic pain and urinary symptoms but is not linked with the acute pain associated with testicular torsion. A hydrocele is characterized by fluid accumulation around the testicle, leading to swelling, but it generally does not cause acute pain or the systemic symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Thus, the primary distinguishing feature of testicular torsion is the sudden, severe onset of pain in conjunction with potential gastrointestinal symptoms.