Orchitis

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is epididymo-orchitis? Epididymo-orchitis (epi-didi-mo-or-KI-tis) is a condition where there is inflammation and swelling of your epididymis and testicle. This condition usually affects the epididymis and testicle on one side of the scrotum, but may also affect both sides. The scrotum is the sac that holds the testicles, which is an egg-shaped organ that makes sperm and hormones. Sperm is mixed with semen, which is the thick, white fluid released during ejaculation that may make a woman pregnant. Hormones are special substances that control how different parts of your body work. The epididymis is a bundle of very small tubes found right beside each testicle. The epididymis is where sperm from each testicle passes before it goes out of the penis.

What causes epididymo-orchitis? Any of the following may cause this condition:

• Infections: Infections of the prostate gland or lower urinary tract may spread to the epididymis and testicles. The prostate gland is a small walnut-shaped organ that helps make semen. It is located below the urinary bladder and wraps around the urethra like a donut. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder into the penis. The lower urinary tract is made up of the urinary bladder and urethra.
  
  
• Injuries: An injury at or near the lower urinary tract may let germs, dirt, and other materials into your body. A catheter that stays in for too long may also cause inflammation and swelling. A catheter is a soft tube that is put through your penis to drain urine into a bag.
  
  
• Mumps: Mumps is an infection that affects the parotid glands. These glands make saliva (spit) and are found in front of and below each ear. During an infection, you may have fever, and pain and swelling in your cheeks and jaw. The germ that causes mumps may also infect your testicles.
  
  
• Sexually transmitted disease (STD): Germs that cause a STD, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, may cause your condition. Having many sexual partners and doing unsafe sexual behaviors may make you more at risk of having a STD. Ask your caregiver for more information about STD.

What are the signs and symptoms of epididymo-orchitis?

• Discharge or fluid coming out of your penis.
  
  
• Fever.
  
  
• Lump or mass in your testicle.
  
  
• Pain, swelling, tenderness, and redness in your scrotum, on one or both sides.
  
  
• Pain when passing urine.

How is epididymo-orchitis diagnosed? Your caregiver will get a complete medical history and do a physical examination. He may ask about your sexual partner to know your risk for a STD.

• 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 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.

How is epididymo-orchitis treated? Treatment may depend on the type of germ causing your condition. If germs that cause a STD are found, your sexual partner may also have to be treated.

• Medicines: You may be given antibiotics to kill the germs causing your condition. You may also be given medicines to treat pain, swelling, or fever.
  
  
• Treatment options: Procedures to decrease pain in your scrotum will be taught. You may need to lay and rest in bed while you get better. You may put an ice pack on the affected area to help decrease the pain. You may be asked to elevate your scrotum to a comfortable and painless position. When properly treated, the signs and symptoms of your condition usually decrease after about three days. If they do not, further tests and treatment, like surgery, may be needed.

Where can I get more information? Contact the following for more information:

• Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  1600 Clifton Rd.
  Atlanta, GA 30333
  Phone: 1-800-227-8922
  Phone: 1-800-232-4636
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/std
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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