Page 121 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

COMMON CONDITIONS 119

MEN’S PROBLEMS

Painful scrotum

Minor injury to the scrotum does not usually cause lasting harm,
WARNING
but sudden severe pain can be due to torsion (twisting) of one of
the testes inside, which can cause permanent damage. A painful, Seek immediate medical help if:
● You develop sudden or severe
tender scrotum, sometimes with swelling, may be due to an infection
pain in the scrotum
(epididymitis). You may also have a fever and pain when urinating. ● Pain after an injury to the area
Other causes of pain include mumps and, rarely, testicular cancer. persists for more than an hour
See also Mumps, p.26.

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Arrange to see your doctor promptly if:
● You have had mild pain for more than 2 days Analgesics can be used to reduce pain and
● You think you have epididymitis swelling in the scrotum and also fever. Take an anti-
inflammatory analgesic such as ibuprofen (see p.185).
● You find a lump in the scrotum or testes

What you can do yourself PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE

Try the following home treatments alone or in
Testicular self-examination All men
conjunction with treatment from your doctor.
should examine their testes regularly to detect lumps
● To relieve pain and swelling, apply an ice pack or other changes that may be an early sign of cancer.
(such as a bag of frozen peas or crushed ice in a ● Examine yourself once a month after a warm bath,
plastic bag wrapped in a wet towel) to the testes. when the scrotum is relaxed. Check for any lumps
Hold for about 10 minutes. Use twice a day. You can or swellings. Both testes should be smooth except
also take an analgesic (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). along the top and back, where you will feel a soft
tube (epididymis) that carries and stores sperm.
● Lie on your back with a rolled-up towel placed ● Compare one testis with the other if you are not
between your legs and under the scrotum to lift it sure whether one feels normal (it is unusual to
and relieve discomfort. When moving around, wear develop cancer in both testes at the same time).
an athletic support or two pairs of close-fitting If you notice any changes in either your testes
underpants, especially if the testes are swollen. or your scrotum, consult your doctor promptly.
● When the pain has eased, check your testes Examining
regularly for lumps (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE, right). your testes
Carefully roll your
fingers and thumb
across the entire
Seek further medical advice surface of each
testis in turn.
Arrange to see your doctor if:
● The pain is worse or no better after 2 days