What to do if you have orchitis

Orchitis can be treated with bed rest, cold compresses to relieve pain, antibiotic treatment, analgesic medication, and surgical drainage. Orchitis is usually caused by bacterial infection, viral infection, trauma, retrograde spread of urinary tract infection, immune factors and other reasons.

1. Bed rest

In the acute stage, you need to stay in bed absolutely to avoid scrotal sagging, and use a soft towel to fold and hold up the scrotum to reduce the feeling of swelling. It is recommended to wear loose and breathable underwear to avoid prolonged sitting or strenuous exercise that aggravates congestion. Keep lying down for more than 10 hours a day, and gradually resume daily activities after symptoms subside.

2. Cold compress to relieve pain

Wrap an ice pack in a clean towel and apply cold compresses to the scrotum intermittently, 15 minutes each time and 2 hours apart. Low temperature can constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling, but frostbite to the skin must be prevented. When combined with fever, physical cooling can be combined with warm water bathing. If the body temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees Celsius, timely medical treatment is required.

3. Antibiotic treatment

Bacterial orchitis requires the use of antibiotics such as levofloxacin tablets, cefixime dispersible tablets, and azithromycin capsules as directed by the doctor. Ceftriaxone sodium injection can be used for gonococcal infection, and isoniazid tablets and rifampicin capsules should be used for tuberculosis. Do not drink alcohol while taking the medication and complete the entire course of treatment.

4. Analgesic drug auxiliary

In case of severe pain, you can take ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, celecoxib capsules or acetaminophen tablets for a short period of time to relieve symptoms. For patients with epididymitis, diosmin tablets can be used to improve lymphatic drainage. It should be noted that NSAIDs may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and should be used with caution in patients with peptic tract ulcers.

5. Surgical drainage

Abscess incision and drainage are required when a testicular abscess forms, and orchiectomy may be required for severe testicular ischemic necrosis. After surgery, drainage strips need to be left in place and dressings should be changed daily, along with intravenous antibiotic infusion. Those with recurrent chronic orchitis may consider vasectomy to block the infection route.

During treatment, spicy and irritating foods should be avoided, and more than 2,000 ml of water should be consumed daily to promote metabolism. For 3 months after recovery, it is prohibited to exercise such as cycling or lifting weights that puts pressure on the perineum. It is recommended that scrotal ultrasound be reviewed every six months to monitor testicular blood flow. If pain during urination or hematospermia occurs, timely follow-up is required. Maintaining a regular sexual life will help gland excretion, but condoms should be used to prevent cross-infection.