ENLmedical.com: Conditions And Concerns: Medical Encyclopedia: Testicular infection or torsion

Testicular infection or torsion

Causes and Risks:
Disorders associated with testicular infection/pain include epididymitis , orchitis , and testicular torsion .

Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis (the structure that is the first part of the duct draining each testis ). Orchitis is an inflammation of one or both of the testicles . These disorders may be caused by numerous bacterial and viral organisms. Epididymitis is the most common cause of scrotal or testicular pain in individuals over 18 years of age.

Testicular torsion is a twisting of the spermatic cord, artery and vein, which cuts off the blood supply to the testicle and surrounding structures within the scrotum . If not corrected promptly, the tissues of the testicle will die. Diagnosis and surgery should take place within 6 hours. If surgery is delayed more than 6 hours the testicle will usually be lost. Testicular torsion is the most common cause of scrotal or testicular pain in boys and non-sexually active adolescents. The majority of cases are in boys less than 6 years of age.

Prevention:
Epididymitis and orchitis are frequently, but not always, associated with sexually-transmitted diseases.

There are no special preventive measures for testicular torsion . A high index of suspicion and early diagnosis and surgery will prevent loss of a testicle.

Symptoms:

sudden onset of testicle pain (in one or both testicles ) with or without a predisposing event
scrotal swelling
extreme tenderness to pressure or traction on the testis

Specific to orchitis and epididymitis :

fever
chills or chilling sensation

Additional symptoms that may occur:

testicle lump
blood in the semen
nausea/vomiting
light headedness or fainting
blood in the semen
pain with urination
pain with intercourse or painful ejaculation
groin pain

Signs and Tests:
Physical examination is usually sufficient to diagnose testicular torsion , orchitis , and epididymitis . Sometimes, tests will be needed to determine the causative organism for infections.

Treatment:
If the cause is bacterial, epididymitis and orchitis may respond to antibiotics. Pain medications ( analgesics ) and other treatments may be recommended.

Prompt surgery is required for testicular torsion .

Prognosis:
With appropriate diagnosis and adequate treatment, normal function of the testicle is usually preserved.

Complications:

loss of testicular function ( infertility )
severe infection

Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Any time there is persistent or severe testicular pain , with or without any of the other symptoms listed above, call your health care provider promptly.

This is an internal view of the male reproductive system.

This is an illustration of the male urinary tract. The female and male urinary tract are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra. The positioning and relative size of the organs are also shown.