WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Each of the testicles is served by a bundle of blood
vessels and a "spermatic cord" that parallels the vessels on
its way up into the body. If the spermatic cord gets twisted
around the blood vessels, cutting off the testicle's blood
supply, the condition is known as testicular torsion.
The problem is most likely during puberty, but can strike
at any age. In most cases, only one testicle is involved,
although both can be affected. If the situation isn't remedied
within 24 hours, the testicle may be lost.
Causes
The problem often occurs after a sports injury sustained
without an athletic supporter. This can trigger a spasm in the
muscles that attach the testicle to the spermatic cord, causing
it to twist.
The chances of testicular torsion are greater if the
piece of tissue that hooks the testicle to the inside of the
scrotum is missing, allowing the testicle to float free.
Sometimes, however, no specific reason for the twisting can be
found.
Signs/Symptoms
When the spermatic cord twists, you will feel a sudden
terrible pain in the testicle. Other symptoms include a red and
swollen scrotum, a rapid heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and
vomiting.
Care
This is a serious problem that needs treatment right
away. Your doctor will probably need to operate immediately in
order to save the testicle. Although the damaged testicle must
sometimes be removed, that won't affect your sex life and your
ability to father children.
Risks
Unless you have immediate surgery or the cord untwists on
its own, the testicle will quickly die and require removal. If
both testicles are lost, you'll be unable to have children and
may lose your sex drive.
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following procedures and equipment
during your stay:
-
Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature,
blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and
respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used
to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is
taken by wrapping a cuff around your arm.
-
Blood Tests: You may need blood taken for tests. It
can be drawn from a vein in your hand or from the bend in
your elbow. Several samples may be needed.
-
IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medicine
or liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to
it.
-
Ice: For pain or swelling, you may put ice in a
plastic bag, cover it with a towel, and place this over the
scrotum for 15 to 20 minutes out of every hour as long as
necessary. Do not sleep on the ice pack. Treatment with ice
is most effective when started right after surgery and used
for 24 to 48 hours.
-
Heat: After the first 24 to 48 hours you may use
heat for pain or swelling. Use a heating pad (turned on
low) or a hot water bottle, or sit in a warm water bath for
15 to 20 minutes out of every hour as long as you need it.
Do not sleep on the heating pad or hot water bottle. Heat
brings blood to the area of the surgery and helps it heal
faster.
-
Medicines:
-
Antibiotics: These medicines may be prescribed to
reduce the chance of infection. They can be given by IV, as
a shot, or by mouth.
-
Pain Medicine: You'll be given pain-killers in your
IV, as a shot, or by mouth. If the pain won't go away or
keeps coming back, alert your doctor to the
problem.
-
Anti-Nausea Medicine: If your other medicines make
you sick, your doctor can prescribe an anti-nausea drug to
calm your stomach.
-
Activity: After the operation, you'll need to rest
in bed for a while. But even if you are confined to bed,
it's important to exercise your legs in order to stop blood
clots from forming. Lift one leg off the bed and draw big
circles with your toes, then repeat with the other leg. You
can also try lying on your side and pretending to pedal a
bike. When you're told it's OK to get out of bed, make sure
someone is with you the first time you try. If you feel
weak or dizzy, sit or lie down right away.
-
Strict Intake/Output: Your doctor may need to know
the amount of liquid you are taking in versus the amount
you lose in your urine. This is often called an
"I&O."
-
Unless told otherwise, drink
6 to 8 large glasses of water each day. Keep a record of
exactly how much liquid you drink.
-
Your output of urine may have
to be measured. Ask your doctor whether it's OK to use the
toilet.
-
Pulse Oximeter: With a little clip connected to your
ear, finger, or toe, this machine measures the oxygen in
your blood.
-
Ultrasound with Color Flow Doppler: This painless
device uses sound waves to create an image of the testicles
on a TV-like screen. Blood flow will be shown in
color.
After You
Leave
-
Wear a jock strap for support
until the pain and swelling go away, and whenever playing
contact sports.
-
You may find loose clothing
to be more comfortable until the swelling goes
down.
-
Try to do a little more each
day, but don't lift anything heavy until your doctor gives
you the OK. Rest as soon as you begin to
tire.
-
To speed your recovery, begin
an exercise program as soon as you're strong enough. Your
doctor can recommend a plan.
-
You may resume sex when you
feel ready. Stop if it causes any pain.
-
Always take your medicine
exactly as directed. If it doesn't seem to help, let the
doctor know, but keep taking it until told otherwise. If
you've been prescribed antibiotics, be sure to use them up,
even if you're feeling better. If a medicine makes you
drowsy, avoid driving or using dangerous
machinery.
Call Your Doctor
If...
-
The pain in your testicle
continues or gets worse.
-
Your scrotum becomes more
swollen, tender, or red.
Seek Care Immediately
If...
-
You have sudden severe pain
in your testicle. The spermatic cord may be twisted
again.
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