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.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
  
  
• Antinausea medicine: This medicine may be given to calm your stomach and control vomiting (throwing up). Pain medicine may upset your stomach and make you feel like vomiting. Because of this, pain medicine and anti-nausea medicine are often given at the same time.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take at home to take away or decrease pain. Your caregiver will tell you how much to take and how often to take it. Take the medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not wait until the pain is too bad before taking your medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Tell caregivers if the pain medicine does not help, or if your pain comes back too soon.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Wellness hints:

• Eating and drinking:
  
  
  • Eat a variety of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meat and fish. Eating healthy foods may help you have more energy and heal faster. Ask your caregiver if you need to be on a special diet.
    
    
  • Men 19 years old and older should drink about 3.0 Liters of liquid each day (close to 13 eight-ounce cups). Women 19 years old and older should drink about 2.2 Liters of liquid each day (close to 9 eight-ounce cups). Follow your caregiver's advice if you must change the amount of liquid you drink. For most people, good liquids to drink are water, juices, and milk. If you are used to drinking liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee, these can also be counted in your daily liquid amount. Try to drink enough liquid each day, and not just when you feel thirsty.
  
  
• Start exercising: Talk to your caregiver before you start exercising. Together you can plan the best exercise program for you. It is best to start slowly and do more as you get stronger. Exercising can help make your heart stronger, lower your blood pressure, and keep you healthy.
  
  
• Quit smoking: It is never too late to quit smoking. Smoking harms the heart, lungs, and the blood. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer if you smoke. You will help yourself and those around you by not smoking. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.
  
  
• Avoid stress: Stress may slow healing and cause illness. Since it is hard to avoid stress, learn to control it. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing. Talk to your caregiver about things that upset you.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• 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.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

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.

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