Epididymitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

Care

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• Rest in bed until fever, pain, and swelling go down. The testicle may stay swollen and hard for several days or even a few weeks.
• If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic to fight the infection, take it exactly as directed and finish the entire prescription. If you stop taking the drug too soon, a few germs may survive and re-infect you.
• To help relieve pain and swelling, place a rolled-up towel between your legs under the scrotum. This helps support the weight of the scrotum and the tender testicles. Wearing briefs (jockey shorts) also provides support to the scrotum.
• Apply either cold or heat to the swollen area, whichever relieves the pain best. You may use warm or cold compresses, ice packs, an electric heating pad set on low, or a hot water bottle filled with warm water. Sitting in a warm bath for 15 minutes twice a day will help reduce the swelling more quickly.
• You may use acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen for the pain.
• Do not drink alcohol, tea, coffee, or carbonated beverages; they irritate the urinary system. Eat foods such as prunes, fresh fruit, whole-grain cereals, and nuts to prevent constipation.
• Wait at least 1 month after all symptoms disappear before having sex. Using a condom will help protect against sexually transmitted infections.
• Be careful not to injure the infected testicle for 2 or 3 months. When you resume normal activities, wear an athletic supporter (jock strap) or two pairs of briefs.

Call Your Doctor If...

• You have a high temperature.
• Your pain is not relieved by bed rest, applying heat or cold, or scrotal support.
• You become constipated.
• Your symptoms do not improve within 3 to 4 days after treatment starts.
• You have any problems that may be related to the medicine you are taking.