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Warning-sign checks

Orchitis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency medical care for:

    • Sudden, severe testicle or scrotal pain
    • Pain with nausea or vomiting
    • A testicle that appears higher than usual or lies at an unusual angle
    • Severe pain that began during sleep, exercise, or without a clear reason

    These can be signs of testicular torsion.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Treatment is time-sensitive, so do not wait to see whether the pain settles.

    Arrange urgent same-day medical assessment for new testicle pain, swelling, or tenderness, even if it developed gradually.

    Also seek urgent care for fever with scrotal swelling, worsening redness, difficulty passing urine, severe weakness, or rapidly increasing pain.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate when symptoms are improving but swelling has not fully settled, or when you need to review infection results.

    Arrange another assessment if a lump remains, symptoms return, or there is little improvement after starting treatment.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Orchitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.