|
Orchitis
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Orchitis (or-KITE-iss) is an inflammation of one or both
testicles, usually resulting from an infection. The
inflammation doesn't affect the production of male hormones,
and very rarely results in sterility.
Causes
The most common causes are
urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections such
as gonorrhea, and cases of mumps contracted after
puberty.
Signs/Symptoms
Pain, swelling, or redness of the
testicle is often accompanied by fever. You may feel a lump in
the testicle.
Care
For many types of infection, the
doctor can prescribe an antibiotic. If the problem is caused by
mumps, however, there are no drugs to speed recovery. Simply
follow the instructions below to make the area as comfortable
as possible.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Rest in bed until fever, pain, and swelling go down.
Your testicle may stay swollen and hard for several days or
even a few weeks.
-
If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic to fight
infection, take it exactly as prescribed and be sure to
finish the entire prescription. If you stop taking the drug
too soon, some 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 tender testicles.
Wearing briefs (jockey shorts) also provides
support.
-
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 also use acetaminophen,
aspirin, or ibuprofen
-
Don't 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.
-
If the problem is caused by a sexually transmitted
disease, remember that you can pass the infection to a
partner; wait at least 1 month after all symptoms disappear
before having sex. Using a condom will help to prevent the
spread of infection.
-
Be careful not to injure the inflamed 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 in 3 to 4 days after
treatment starts.
-
You have any problems that may be related to the
medicine you are taking.
Return to top
|
|
Answer questions, check symptoms, find resources
Take action, achieve goals, resolve a problem
|
Email this page
Printer friendly
Bookmark this page
