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.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Medicines to treat the symptoms of your condition may have some unwanted side effects. They may cause allergies or an upset stomach. You may have itching and redness on your skin. You may throw up or have loose bowel movements. If your condition is left untreated, the production of your sperm may decrease. The decreased amounts of sperm may affect your ability to make a woman pregnant. Inflammation and swelling in the epididymis and testicle may cause scarring and change your testicle's size and shape. Call your caregiver if you have questions about your condition, treatment, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

IV:

An IV (intravenous) is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.

Medicines:

• Antibiotics: These medicines kill bacteria (germs) that are causing your condition.
  
  
• Medicines to treat pain, swelling, or fever: These medicines are safe for most people to use. However, they can cause serious problems when used by people with certain medical conditions. Tell caregivers if you have liver or kidney disease or a history of bleeding in your stomach.

Tests:

• Lab tests: You may need to have a urine or blood test. If you have a discharge coming from your penis, samples may be taken and sent to the lab for tests.
  
  
• Ultrasound: This is a simple test that looks inside of your body. Sound waves are used to show pictures of your organs and tissues on a TV-like screen. Your caregiver checks for problems in your epididymis and testicle like bleeding, lumps, and abnormal flow of blood.

Treatment options:

• Cold compress: Cold compress causes blood vessels to constrict (get small) which helps decrease swelling, pain, and redness. Caregivers put crushed ice in a plastic bag and wrap it with a towel. Put this on the painful area for 15 to 20 minutes every hour as long as you need it. Do not sleep on the ice pack because you can get frostbite.
  
  
• Scrotal support: Your caregiver may tell you to move and raise your scrotum to a comfortable position. While sitting you may prop a pillow or rolled up towels to support you in a comfortable position.
  
  
• Surgery: Surgery may be needed if your signs and symptoms last for a long time even with treatment.

Vital signs:

Caregivers will check your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature. They will also ask about your pain. These vital signs give caregivers information about your current health.

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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 (Inpatient Care)