About this topic
The male sex organs are made up of different parts. The testes are small round organs which are located in the skin sac, called the scrotum, that hangs between a mans legs. Sperm are made in the testes. Sperm are stored in a small organ on top of the testes, called the epididymis. The sperm travel from there through small tubes called the vas deferens when a man ejaculates. The fluid a man ejaculates from his penis is called semen. ‚
Sometimes, the epididymis can become infected and swell. The infection is called epididymitis and is caused by germs. In male children, the germs may begin in the bladder or kidneys and spread to the testicles. Men who have sex without a condom can get these germs. Certain drugs can also cause swelling. When the epididymis is swollen, the testicles may also be swollen. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take all the drugs ordered by your doctor. Your doctor will give you drugs to treat your infection. Your doctor will also give drugs for your other signs.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Wear supportive underwear, like a jock strap, to raise your scrotum.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day to help flush out infection.
- Keep your testicles and penis clean at all times. Wash your penis and the nearby area with mild soap and water.
- Change your underwear often. Wash soiled underwear with bleach.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits.
- Your doctor will tell you if other tests are needed.
- Tell your sex partners about your infection. Your sex partners need to be treated.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity because of your pain and the swelling. Talk to your doctor about when you may start having sex again. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pus in your scrotum, which is an abscess.
- Not able to have a child. Doctors may say you are sterile if you cannot father a child.
- Long-term swelling of your scrotum
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Always wear a condom when you have sex.
- Pass urine when you need to. Do not hold urine until later. Holding urine can also cause the infection.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. Signs include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine, pain in your scrotum.
- Swelling and pain does not go away after taking drugs
- Very bad pain in your groin area
- Bloody semen or urine
- Throwing up
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, chills, groin pain, or bloody semen or urine.
Where can I learn more?
American Urological Association Foundation ‚
http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=114 ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/759/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚