Treatment:

Treatments may include:

• Antibiotics -- if the infection is caused by bacteria (in the case of gonorrhea or chlamydia, sexual partners must also be treated)
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Pain medications
• Bed rest with the scrotum elevated and ice packs applied to the area

Expectations (prognosis):

Getting the right diagnosis and treatment for orchitis caused by bacteria can usually preserve the normal testicle function.

Mumps orchitis cannot be treated and the outcome can vary. Men who have had mumps orchitis have become sterile.

Complications:

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

Other potential complications include:

• Chronic epididymitis
• Fistula on the skin of the scrotum (cutaneous scrotal fistula)
• Scrotal abscess
• Death of testicle tissue (testicular infarction)

Acute pain in the scrotum or testicles can be a surgical emergency. If you have sudden pain in the scrotum or testicles, get immediate medical attention.

Calling your health care provider:

Call the local emergency number (such as 911) or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience sudden pain in the testicle.