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
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I am a seasoned healthcare professional with a deep understanding of urological conditions, particularly inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis) and testicl* (orchitis). My expertise in this field is grounded in years of hands-on experience, continuous learning, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest medical developments.
The information you provided describes a common scenario where epididymitis and orchitis are likely caused by an infection, often occurring concurrently with urinary tract infections. The treatment approach outlined in the article aligns with established medical practices for managing these conditions. Let's break down the key concepts mentioned:
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Infection and Etiology:
- Epididymitis and orchitis are inflammatory conditions of the epididymis and testicl*, respectively.
- The likely cause is identified as an infection, which could be bacterial in nature.
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Treatment Modalities:
- Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics are the primary treatment for acute epididymitis. In some cases, an injection of antibiotics may be administered. Emphasis is placed on completing the full course of antibiotics.
- Anti-inflammatories: Medications to reduce swelling and tenderness are prescribed to alleviate symptoms.
- Rest: Adequate rest, typically for 3 to 4 days, is recommended until swelling and fever subside.
- Scrotal Support: Wearing an athletic supporter (jockstrap) or spandex shorts helps control swelling.
- Ice and Heat: Ice packs, wrapped in a thin towel, are suggested initially to reduce swelling. Once swelling has subsided, warm baths are recommended to promote blood flow to the area.
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Post-Treatment:
- Recovery: The inflammation will subside with treatment. However, an achy feeling in the testicl*s may persist for 2 to 4 weeks, indicating the healing process.
- Monitoring for Complications: If a lump is felt in a testicl* after treatment, seeking medical attention is advised.
- Resuming Activity: Once the inflammation resolves, normal activity can be resumed.
- Partner Involvement: If sexually active, the partner should also consult a healthcare provider, as the infection can be sexually transmitted.
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Preventive Measures:
- Complete Medication Course: Emphasizing the importance of completing the full antibiotic course.
- Follow-up Care: Regular follow-up with a healthcare professional is essential for monitoring and addressing any concerns.
It's crucial to note that the information provided is a general overview, and individual cases may vary. For personalized advice and treatment, individuals should consult with their healthcare professionals.
FAQs
Epididymo-orchitis from urinary pathogens
If an enteric organism is suspected, fluoroquinolones are the preferred antibiotic, as they have excellent penetration into the testes. The CDC recommends the following regimen : Levofloxacin 500 mg PO daily for 10 days.
What is the success rate of treatment for epididymitis? ›
Epididymectomy for structural abnormalities had excellent results. Those with chronic pain, normal examination and ultrasound had at best, a 55% chance of improvement. This group must be counselled about the low risk of success.
Why is my epididymitis not going away? ›
If antibiotics don't stop the symptoms, your health care provider may suspect tuberculous epididymitis. If a pocket of pus ("abscess") has formed, more must be done. Surgery to drain the abscess or remove part or all of the epididymis might be needed. This is rare.
How long does it take for epididymitis to fully heal? ›
Treatments for epididymitis
It's important to finish the whole course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better. 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.
How long does epididymitis orchitis last? ›
Acute epididymitis is a clinical syndrome causing pain, swelling, and inflammation of the epididymis and lasting <6 weeks (1191). Sometimes a testicl* is also involved, a condition referred to as epididymo-orchitis.
How long does it take to cure epididymo-orchitis? ›
You should start to feel better after 2 to 3 days on an antibiotic, but it may take several weeks for pain and swelling to go away. Resting, supporting the scrotum with an athletic supporter, applying ice packs and taking pain medicine can help relieve discomfort.
Can epididymitis be cured completely? ›
With proper treatment, epididymitis will go away. It's important to seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid further complications.
How long is too long for epididymitis? ›
Epididymitis Symptoms
This usually happens on one testicl*, rather than both. It can last up to 6 weeks if untreated. You might have one or more of these other possible symptoms: Redness, swelling, or tenderness in the scrotum, the sac that contains the testes.
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 ...
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.
Will this treatment cure my chronic epididymitis? Unfortunately, not always. Some patients may only have a single, brief episode of pain, but many patients have recurrent symptoms over months or even years. If you take anti-inflammatory drugs at an early stage, this can prevent progression of your symptoms.
What can be mistaken for epididymitis? ›
Epididymitis is a frequent presentation to the emergency department. However, the diagnosis can often be confused with testicular torsion, which is a surgical emergency.
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.
Can epididymitis come back after antibiotics? ›
Epididymitis most often gets better with antibiotic treatment. There are no long-term sexual or reproductive problems in most cases. However, the condition may return.
What is the best antibiotic for epididymitis? ›
For acute epididymitis most likely caused by chlamydia or gonorrhea:
- Ceftriaxone 500 mg* IM in a single dose.
- Doxycycline 100 mg orally 2 times/day for 10 days.
- Ceftriaxone 500 mg* IM in a single dose.
- Levofloxacin 500 mg orally once daily for 10 days.
- Levofloxacin 500 mg orally once daily for 10 days.
For acute epididymitis most likely caused by chlamydia or gonorrhea:
- Ceftriaxone 500 mg* IM in a single dose.
- Doxycycline 100 mg orally 2 times/day for 10 days.
- Ceftriaxone 500 mg* IM in a single dose.
- Levofloxacin 500 mg orally once daily for 10 days.
- Levofloxacin 500 mg orally once daily for 10 days.
The epididymis stores and carries sperm. Males of any age can get epididymitis. 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.
