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

Prompt surgery is required for testicular torsion.

With appropriate diagnosis and adequate treatment, normal function of the testicle is usually preserved. If the infection is severe or testicular torsion is not surgically corrected promptly, infertility and testicular atrophy (shrinkage) may result.

• Loss of testicular function (infertility)
• Severe infection

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.

Images

Male reproductive system

Blood in semen

Male reproductive anatomy

Male urinary tract

Review Date: 10/20/2005
Reviewed By: David R. Knowles, M.D., Advanced Urologic Surgeons, Mt. Vernon, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)