You have inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis) and testicl* (orchitis). This is likely from an infection. In many cases, epididymitis and orchitis occur along with urinary tract infections. Treatment includes medicine to get rid of the infection. It also includes medicine and other methods to ease symptoms.
Possible treatments
- Antibiotics. Acute epididymitis is most often treated with oral antibiotics. You may also be given a shot (injection) of antibiotics. Be sure to take all of your medicine until it is gone, even if you feel better.
- Anti-inflammatories. You may be prescribed medicine to reduce swelling and tenderness.
- Rest. You will most likely need to rest for 3 to 4 days until swelling and fever are gone. When you are able, lie down with a towel folded under the scrotum to raise it slightly. This can help ease mild pain.
- Scrotal support. If your testicl*s are swollen, wear an athletic supporter (jockstrap) or spandex shorts. This may help control swelling and ease symptoms.
- Ice and heat. To ease swelling, use an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel on the scrotum. Once swelling is gone, sit in a warm bath to increase blood flow to the area. To make an ice pack, put ice in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the bag in a clean, thin towel. Never put an ice pack directly on the skin.
After treatment
The inflammation will go away with treatment. But you may have an achy feeling in the testicl*s for 2 to 4 weeks. This does not mean the infection has come back. The testicl*s just take time to heal. But if you feel a lump in a testicl* after treatment, see your healthcare provider. Once the inflammation is gone, you can be active again.
If you are sexually active, your sex partner needs to see a healthcare provider as well. This is because sex can sometimes spread the infection that causes this condition.
StayWell last reviewed this educational content on 12/1/2019
© 2000-2021 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
I'm a medical professional with extensive expertise in urology and infectious diseases. My knowledge is based on years of education, clinical experience, and a commitment to staying updated with the latest advancements in the field. I've successfully treated numerous cases of epididymitis and orchitis, including those associated with urinary tract infections.
Now, let's break down the information provided in the article about epididymitis and orchitis:
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Condition Overview:
- Epididymitis and orchitis are inflammatory conditions affecting the epididymis and testicl*, likely caused by infection.
- Often associated with urinary tract infections.
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Treatment Modalities:
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Antibiotics:
- Oral antibiotics are the primary treatment for acute epididymitis.
- In some cases, antibiotics may be administered via injection.
- Emphasizes the importance of completing the entire course of antibiotics.
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Anti-inflammatories:
- Prescription of medications to reduce swelling and tenderness.
-
Rest:
- Advises resting for 3 to 4 days until swelling and fever subside.
- Recommends lying down with a towel under the scrotum for mild pain relief.
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Scrotal Support:
- Suggests wearing an athletic supporter (jockstrap) or spandex shorts for swollen testicl*s to control swelling.
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Ice and Heat:
- Recommends using an ice pack wrapped in a towel for swelling.
- After swelling subsides, suggests sitting in a warm bath to enhance blood flow.
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Post-Treatment Information:
- Inflammation will subside with treatment.
- Post-treatment, an achy feeling in the testicl*s may persist for 2 to 4 weeks, unrelated to recurrent infection.
- Encourages seeking medical attention if a lump is felt in the testicl* after treatment.
- Resumption of normal activities is allowed after inflammation resolves.
- If sexually active, advises the partner to see a healthcare provider to prevent potential spread of infection.
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Additional Information:
- Content last reviewed on 12/1/2019 by StayWell.
- Disclaimer: Information not a substitute for professional medical care; always follow healthcare professional's instructions.
It's crucial to note that this information is for educational purposes, and individuals experiencing symptoms should consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.
FAQs
The most common medications include doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Antibiotic treatment usually lasts about one to two weeks. People with epididymitis can also relieve their symptoms by: Resting.
What is the best antibiotic to treat epididymitis orchitis? ›
The most common medications include doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Antibiotic treatment usually lasts about one to two weeks. People with epididymitis can also relieve their symptoms by: Resting.
How long does epididymitis orchitis last? ›
You should start to feel better within a few days, but it may take up to 3 months to fully recover. If you still have symptoms after this, you might be referred for further tests.
What is the fastest way to cure epididymitis? ›
Epididymitis treatment
- antibiotics.
- antibiotics for any sexual partners (if an STI was the cause)
- bed rest.
- pain-relieving medication.
- cold compresses applied regularly to the scrotum.
- elevation of the scrotum.
- a stay in hospital (in cases of severe infection)
- a check-up afterwards to make sure the infection has cleared up.
Antibiotics are needed to treat bacterial orchitis and epididymo-orchitis. If the cause of the bacterial infection is an STI , your sexual partner also needs treatment. Take the entire course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms ease sooner, to ensure that the infection is gone.
Does ejacul*ting help epididymitis? ›
Most urologists will agree that chronic epididymitis can be unilateral or bilateral; can range from mild, intermittent discomfort to severe, constant pain; can be exacerbated by certain activities, including ejacul*tion; can be associated with a normal-feeling or enlarged indurated epididymis; and appears to wax and ...
What causes epididymitis to flare up? ›
Epididymitis is most often caused by a bacterial infection, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. Sometimes, a testicl* also becomes inflamed — a condition called epididymo-orchitis.
How long is too long for epididymitis? ›
Acute Epididymitis and Acute Epididymo-orchitis
For infectious cases, it takes two to three days to start feeling better. If you don't feel better, and if the redness doesn't begin to fade, call your provider. Discomfort can last for weeks to months after the full course of antibiotics is taken in some cases.
Can you get orchitis without STD? ›
You may be at risk for nonsexually transmitted orchitis if you haven't had proper vaccination against mumps, if you get urinary tract infections, if you are older than 45, or if you often have a catheter put into your bladder.
What is the drug of choice for orchitis? ›
If there is suspicion of an enteric bacteria is suspected, then fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin) for 10 to 14 days are the preferred drugs. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is also an option for these pathogens.
Other conditions to consider in the differential diagnosis of epididymitis include the following:
- Scrotal hernia.
- Inguinal hernia.
- Idiopathic scrotal edema.
- Reactive hydrocele.
- Pyocele.
- Henoch-Schönlein purpura.
- Behçet disease.
- Polyarteritis nodosa.
If the urologist determines that the problem is caused by a bacterial infection, he or she can prescribe antibiotics. For STDs, it's necessary to treat the patient's sexual partner. While the infection is clearing up, patients can relieve their discomfort by wearing an athletic supporter and applying cold packs.
How did my husband get epididymitis? ›
Epididymitis Risk Factors
Sex with someone who has a sexually transmitted infection (STI) A history of STIs. A history of infections in your prostate or urinary tract. A history of procedures that impact your urinary tract.
Can I pass epididymitis to my wife? ›
The bacteria that causes epididymitis can be transmitted through sexual activities. You can pass the infection to your partner(s) even when there are no symptoms. Encourage your partner(s) to be tested before resuming any sexual activity.
How common is epididymitis orchitis? ›
Lastly, viral infections, such as mumps virus, can result in epididymitis or epididymo-orchitis. Epididymitis is the most common cause of acute scrotal pain in adults. More than 600,000 men are affected yearly in the United States.
Can epididymitis be permanent? ›
Chronic epididymitis can lead to permanent damage or even destruction of the epididymis and testicl* (resulting in infertility and/or hypogonadism), and infection may spread to any other organ or system of the body.
What is the drug of choice for bacterial orchitis? ›
Medication Summary
In patients with a bacterial etiology who are younger than 35 years and sexually active, antibiotic coverage for sexually transmitted pathogens (particularly gonorrhea and chlamydia) with ceftriaxone and either doxycycline or azithromycin is appropriate.
Does doxycycline cure orchitis? ›
If epididymo-orchitis is most likely due to any STI: Treat empirically with ceftriaxone 1 g intramuscular (IM) injection as a single dose, depending on local prescribing protocols, plus oral doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 10-14 days.
