Epididymitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Epididymitis is inflammation (pain and swelling) of your epididymis. The epididymis is a long curled tube inside your scrotum (sack of skin under your penis). Each tube is found at the back of your testicle (egg-shaped organ). It stores and carries sperm from your testicles to your penis. Epididymitis usually only occurs in one testicle, but may also occur in both. It may be an acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) condition. Acute epididymitis lasts for six weeks or less while chronic lasts for three months or more.
  
  
• You may have fever, chills, a lump in your scrotum, penile discharge, or blood in your semen. You may feel pain when passing urine or while having sex. Your testicle may also be red and swollen, and it may feel painful. Your caregiver may carefully check your genital area. You may need lab tests, an ultrasound, and surgery to check inside your scrotum. Treatment will depend on what caused your condition. Treatment may include medicines to treat infection and pain, or you may need surgery. With treatment, your symptoms may be relieved and your condition may go away.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your primary healthcare provider. Do not stop taking your medicine unless directed by your primary healthcare provider. Never save antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Antifungal medicine: This medicine helps kill fungus that can cause illness.
  
  
• Anti-inflammatory medicine: This medicine may help decrease and prevent swelling. Common anti-inflammatory medicines used for treatment include steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs). NSAIDs may also help decrease pain and a high body temperature (fever). This medicine can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. Always read the medicine label and follow the directions on it before using this medicine.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.

Follow-up visit information:

You may need blood tests or other testing done after your treatment. Testing may be done to make sure your infection and swelling have gone away. Make sure to keep all your planned visits with your caregiver. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Self-care:

• Ice: Putting an ice pack, covered with a towel, on your swollen testicle may help decrease your symptoms. Cold causes blood vessels to get smaller which helps decrease swelling, pain, and redness. Put an ice pack on the painful area for 15 to 20 minutes every hour as long as needed. Do not sleep on the ice pack because you may get frostbite.
  
  
• Rest: Resting in bed or decreasing your activity for a period of time may help ease your pain. Rest may also help you heal faster. Ask your caregiver for more information on how long you should rest and limit activities.
  
  
• Safe sex: Practice safe sex. Do not have sex with someone who has an STI. This includes having oral or anal sex. Do not have sex while you or your partner is being treated for an STI. Use a latex condom every time you have sex, and make sure the condom is worn correctly. Use a new condom or proper barrier (blocking) device with each new sexual act.
  
  
• Scrotal support: Your caregiver may tell you to move and raise your scrotum to relieve the pain. While sitting, put a pillow or rolled up towel under your scrotum for support.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• Your signs and symptoms do not improve within three days of treatment or come back after treatment.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your skin feels itchy and a rash appears after taking your medicine.
  
  
• You feel lightheaded or you have fainted (passed out).
  
  
• You have severe (very bad) testicle pain that starts suddenly or follows an injury.
  
  
• Your symptoms become worse, even after starting treatment with medicine.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Epididymitis (Aftercare Instructions)