Dear Readers,

S.B. writes to Lifeline of a recent, disturbing experience which has left him afraid that he could be infertile.

He is 32 years old with more than one sexual partner. Recently his testicles were painfully swollen and tender to touch. In fact, he couldn't touch them without experiencing significant discomfort. The pain eventually forced him to see a doctor who told him he had an infection of his testicles and surrounding tissues called EPIDIDIMO-ORCHITIS. S.B. was treated with antibiotics which eventually resolved the condition. A few friends have since mentioned to him that the level of pain and inflammation he experienced could result in sterility! S.B. is very anxious to find out if this is really so.

bacterial infection

The ability to test for healthy, viable sperm is readily available at several laboratories across the island which on obtaining a semen specimen can check the sperm health and numbers for viability and ability to fertilise.

Epididimo -orchitis is a bacterial infection of the scrotal sac and its contents (the testicles). In sexually active men with multiple partners who do not practice safe sex, the infection is often a complication of a sexually transmitted disease, such as chlamydia.

However, it can be caused by other organisms not associated with sexual activity such as staphylococcus, E. Coli and streptococcus.

Once the condition is recognised and treated the pain and discomfort resolve quietly and is not usually associated with any lasting detrimental side effects. However, sometimes testicular infection is confused with a more sinister condition, Torsion of the Testicles. Testicular torsion constitutes a surgical emergency as the testicle twists on the spermatic cord with resulting compromise to the blood flow to the testicle. This condition presents with sudden onset of pain in the testicle (usually only one testicle is involved).

firm and swollen

The testicle is firm and swollen and the pain can be very intense and be associated with nausea and vomiting. This condition can be very difficult to differentiate from erididimo - orchitis (testicular infection).

The testicle may be so damaged that it has to be removed surgically. The testicle cannot survive long without its' blood supply so when men experience scrotal pain they should not 'watch it' but should hasten to see a physician for examination. No chance should be taken.

If the private physician or clinic doctor is uncertain the person should be referred to see a urologist or surgeon or attend a hospital casualty department immediately during the same day to ensure that the testicles survive.

Another condition not often seen which causes scrotal pain is Mumps Orchitis . This occurs as a complication of Mumps infection. The pain experienced here is not as severe as in epididynio-orchitis, but this is one condition which can result in sterility!

Write lifeline

P.O. Box 1731

Kingston 8