Testicular Torsion

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Testicular (tes-TIK-u-lar) torsion (TOR-shun) is a condition where the spermatic cord that holds the testicle gets twisted. Blood vessels inside the spermatic cord may get pinched and blood flow to the testicle may get blocked. When blood flow to the testicle stops, it may get an infection, get smaller, and die. This condition usually happens to only one testicle, but may also happen to both. It usually affects babies up to one year of age and children 12 to 18 years of age. The cause of this condition is not always known. It may be a birth defect, or appear when you exercise and play sports a lot. Living in a cold environment or having an injury to the groin may increase your risk for this condition.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms may include a sudden severe pain, redness, and swelling of your scrotum. You may also have a fever, nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), and vomiting (throwing up). Your caregiver may use scintigraphy or ultrasound to look for problems in your scrotum. Treatment aims to bring back the flow of blood to the affected testicle. You may get better on your own if the spermatic cord untwists by itself. If it does not improve, your caregiver will untwist the testicle and spermatic cord by hand or with surgery. Your caregiver may give you medicines for fever and pain, and antibiotics to treat infection. Diagnosing and treating this condition as soon as possible may relieve your symptoms and prevent further problems.

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 help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
  
  
• Antinausea medicine: This medicine may be given to calm your stomach and to help prevent vomiting.
  
  
• 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.

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

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

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your scrotum becomes more painful, swollen, or red.
  
  
• Your stitches are swollen, red, or have pus coming from them.
  
  
• Your stitches come apart.
  
  
• Your bandage becomes soaked with blood.

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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 Testicular Torsion (Aftercare Instructions)