Epididymo-orchitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Epididymo-orchitis (epi-didi-mo-or-KI-tis) is inflammation and swelling of your epididymis and testicle. Your testicle is an egg-shaped organ in the scrotum that makes sperm and hormones. The epididymis is a bundle of very small tubes found right beside each testicle. It is where the sperm from each testicle passes before going out of the penis. This condition is caused by different germs that cause mumps and infections of the prostate and urinary tract. Injury or surgery to the lower urinary tract may cause germs to reach the epididymis and testicle. Having a sexual partner with germs that cause sexually transmitted disease (STD) may also cause this condition.
  
  
• The signs and symptoms may appear suddenly, or may increase slowly over a few days. You may feel a lump in your scrotum or have some discharge coming out of your penis. You may feel some pain in your scrotum or while passing urine. You may have fever, and there may be some redness and swelling of your scrotum. You may need an ultrasound and urine tests to diagnose this condition. Your caregiver may give you antibiotics to kill germs and medicines to decrease your fever, pain, and swelling. Your caregiver may tell you to use ice packs and sit in a comfortable position to decrease pain. Diagnosing and treating your condition as soon as possible may relieve your symptoms and help you resume your usual activities.

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.

• Acetaminophen: This medicine is used to decrease pain and lower a high body temperature (fever). Taking too much acetaminophen can hurt your liver. Read labels so that you know the active ingredients in each medicine that you take. Talk to your caregiver before taking more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen. Ask your caregiver before taking over-the-counter medicine if you are also taking pain medicine prescribed (ordered) for you.
  
  
• 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.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Rest:

Rest when you feel it is needed. Slowly start to do more each day. Return to your daily activities as directed.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
  
  
• Your pain is not relieved by bed rest, applying heat or cold, or scrotal support.
  
  
• You cannot make it to your next appointment.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or medicines.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have a very bad pain in your chest.
  
  

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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 Epididymo-orchitis (Aftercare Instructions)