Orchitis

Treatment:

Antibiotics are prescribed if the causative agent is bacterial. In the case of gonorrhea or chlamydia, sexual partners must also be treated.

When orchitis is caused by viral agents, only analgesics (pain relievers) are prescribed. Bedrest, with elevation of the scrotum and ice packs applied to the area, is recommended.

Expectations (prognosis):

With appropriate diagnosis and adequate treatment of bacterially caused orchitis, normal function of the testicle is usually preserved.

Mumps orchitis cannot be treated and outcome is unpredictable. Sterility has followed mumps orchitis.

Complications:

Orchitis may cause infertility and atrophy (diminished size) of one or both testicles.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms suggestive of orchitis develop.