Home Care:

• Apply ice packs to the scrotum for the first 24 hours, followed by sitz baths to decrease swelling.
• If the pain is severe, place a rolled-up towel between the legs just under the scrotum to help relieve pain and reduce swelling, but get medical attention to make sure it is not a torsion.
• Wear a loose-fitting athletic supporter for daily activities.
• Avoid excessive activity until the swelling disappears.

Call your health care provider if:

Call your health care provider if:

• You notice any unexplained scrotal swelling
• The swelling is painful
• You have a testicle lump

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

Your health care provider will perform a physical examination and take a medical history, which may include the following questions:

• When did the swelling develop?
• Did it develop suddenly?
• Is it getting worse?
• How big is the swelling (try to describe in terms such as "twice normal size" or "the size of a golfball")?
• Does the swelling appear to be fluid?
• Can you feel tissue in the swollen area?
• Is the swelling in one part of the scrotum or in the entire scrotum?
• Is the swelling the same on both sides (sometimes a swollen scrotum is actually an enlarged testicle, a testicular lump, or a swollen duct)?
• Have you had surgery on the genital area?
• Have you had an injury or trauma to your genitals?
• Have you had a recent genital infection?
• Does the swelling go down after you rest in bed?
• Do you have any other symptoms?
• Is there any pain in the area around the scrotum?

The physical examination will probably include a detailed examination of the scrotum, testicles, and penis. The combination of a physical exam and history will determine whether you need any tests.

Your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics and pain medications, or recommend surgery. A scrotal ultrasound may be done to determine where the swelling is occurring.