Orchitis

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Male reproductive anatomy

Male reproductive system

Epididymo-orchitis; Testis infection

Treatments may include:

• Antibiotics -- if the infection is caused by bacteria (in the case of gonorrhea or chlamydia, sexual partners must also be treated)
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Pain medications
• Bed rest with the scrotum elevated and ice packs applied to the area

Getting the right diagnosis and treatment for orchitis caused by bacteria can usually preserve the normal testicle function.

If the testicle does not completely return to normal after treatment, further testing to rule out testicular cancer should be done.

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Mumps orchitis cannot be treated, and the outcome can vary. Men who have had mumps orchitis can become sterile.

Some boys who get orchitis caused by mumps will have shrinking of the testicles (testicular atrophy).

Orchitis may also cause infertility.

Other potential complications include:

• Chronic epididymitis
• Death of testicle tissue (testicular infarction)
• Fistula on the skin of the scrotum (cutaneous scrotal fistula)
• Scrotal abscess

Acute pain in the scrotum or testicles can be caused by twisting of the testicular blood vessels (torsion), which is a surgical emergency. If you have sudden pain in the scrotum or testicles, get immediate medical attention.

All testicle abnormalities should be medically evaluated. Call the local emergency number (such as 911) or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience sudden pain in the testicle.

Review Date: 09/03/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).