Treating Epididymitis and Orchitis

Treatment includes medication to get rid of the bacteria and relieve discomfort. Resting, supporting the scrotum, and using ice packs can help relieve your symptoms. If you are sexually active, any partners need to see a doctor as well, since the infection can sometimes be spread between sex partners.

Possible Treatments

• Antibiotics: Acute epididymitis is most often treated with oral antibiotics. You may also be given an injection of antibiotics. Be sure to take all of your medication.

• Anti-inflammatories: Your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce swelling and tenderness.

• Rest: You will most likely need to rest for 3–4 days, or until the swelling and fever are gone. Lying down with a towel folded under the scrotum to raise it slightly can help relieve discomfort.

• Scrotalsupport: If your testicles are swollen, you may want to wear an athletic supporter (jockstrap) or spandex bicycle shorts. This can help to relieve your discomfort until the swelling goes down.

• Ice and heat: Put an ice pack on the scrotum at first to help decrease any swelling. Once swelling is gone, sit in a warm bath to increase blood flow to the affected area. This helps to bring more antibiotic to the area and speeds healing.

After Treatment

The inflammation will go away with treatment. But you may have an achy feeling in the testicles for several weeks or months. This does not mean the infection has come back. The testicles just take time to heal. If you feel a lump in a testicle after treatment, however, you need to see your doctor. Once the inflammation is gone, you should feel like being active again.