Treatment:

Antibiotics will be prescribed if the infection is caused by bacteria. In the case of gonorrhea or chlamydia, sexual partners must also be treated. Pain medications and anti-inflammatory medications are also commonly prescribed.

When orchitis is caused by a virus, only analgesics (pain relievers) are prescribed. Bed rest, 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 the outcome is unpredictable. Sterility has followed mumps orchitis.

Complications:

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

Other potential complications include scrotal abscess, testicular infarction, cutaneous scrotal fistula and chronic epididymitis.

Acute pain in the scrotum or testicles is a surgical emergency. If you experience acute pain in the scrotum or testicles, seek 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 an acute onset of testicular pain.