Page 2 - Scrotal Pain

Scrotal pain

Investigations The cause of chronic orchitis or epididymitis is unclear
but they may be due to injury or inadequately treated
The diagnosis of acute orchitis or epididymitis can or recurrent infections of the testicle or epididymis.
often be made based on a man’s symptoms of Men with these frustrating problems can have
scrotal pain and his physical examination. Urine tests significant, prolonged pain (which may come and
or urethral swabs for microscopic examination and go) that can seriously affect day-to-day functioning.
culture may be helpful. Ultrasound examination of the This may occur uncommonly following a vasectomy.
scrotum can be useful to demonstrate the detail of Long-term complications are possible and include
scrotal structures. shrinkage of the affected testicle, infertility and
chronic pain. There is no known association between
Treatment chronic orchitis or epididymitis and cancer. The
investigation of these problems is similar to that of the
acute form.
When acute orchitis or epididymitis is thought to
result from bacterial infection, a course of antibiotics
should produce symptom relief and cure of infection. Treatment
Swelling may often take several weeks to resolve.
Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen Treatment for chronic scrotal pain can be difficult
(e.g. Advil™), and painkillers, such as acetaminophen and frustrating. Your physician may suggest the use
(e.g. Tylenol™), may help decrease pain and fever. of anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen,
Bed rest, scrotal support and drinking plenty of fluids to painkillers, such as acetaminophen, scrotal support,
keep well hydrated will speed recovery. Most patients the application of heat, or nerve blocks. A four to six
can be managed out of hospital and surgery is rarely week trial of antibiotics may also be recommended.
necessary. In the absence of proven infection, prolonged or
repeated courses of antibiotics are seldom helpful.
Chronic scrotal pain Scrotal pain is often a frustrating problem which may

have significant impact on a man’s quality of life.
Inflammation involving the testicle or epididymis Fortunately, this problem will often resolve completely
can persist for longer periods of time and become over time and is rarely associated with dangerous
chronic. Chronic orchitis is inflammation and pain health problems.
in the testicle, often without swelling, persisting for
greater than six weeks. Prolonged scrotal pain without
inflammation or obvious cause is called chronic
orchialgia. It may be impossible to distinguish chronic
orchitis from chronic orchialgia. Chronic epididymitis
produces pain in the epididymis, usually with little
swelling, persisting for over six weeks.

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