Testicular torsion is when a testicle twists inside the scrotum. This blocks blood flow to the testicle and can cause permanent damage. Your child had orchiectomy surgery to remove the damaged testicle. To prevent the other testicle from twisting, the surgeon stitched it to the scrotum. Your child is now ready to go home. Follow these instructions to help him heal.

• Your child should have only clear liquids like broth, gelatin, and watered-down juice for several hours. When he can take clear liquids without vomiting, he can try light, non-greasy foods. Tomorrow, he can return to his regular diet.
• Give your child any prescribed medicines as directed.
• If the surgeon prescribed pain medicine, give it as directed. Don't give your child acetaminophen (such as Tylenol® or a store brand) with prescription pain medicines without asking your surgeon or pharmacist first.
• If your child was given antibiotic ointment, it should be applied to the incision site 2–3 times a day.
• Don't let your child take a bath, shower, or swim until the surgeon says it's OK. Until then, he should take a sponge bath.
• If there is a surgical dressing (bandage), remove it as directed by the surgeon.
• Allow tape strips or medical glue to fall off on their own. This usually takes 7–10 days.
• Some bruising of the scrotum after surgery is normal. But watch for signs of infection such as increased redness or swelling, or yellow or green pus.
• The surgeon may recommend that your child wear a jockstrap for the first few days after surgery.
• Your child should not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds (about the weight of a gallon of milk) or participate in gym class, rough play, bike riding, or other sports until the surgeon says it's OK. Teens also should not masturbate or have sex until then.
• When your child returns to normal activities, he should wear a protective cup during contact sports and sports in which a ball could hit his scrotum (such as baseball or lacrosse).
• Go to the follow-up care visit as directed.

• Your child has a fever.
• The incision becomes redder or more swollen.
• The incision has blood or pus coming from it.
• Your child has pain even after taking pain medicine.
• Your child is throwing up a lot and cannot keep liquids down.
• You have questions or concerns.

Your child:

• has trouble breathing
• has a lot of bleeding that can't be stopped

What if my child feels self-conscious about having one testicle? Teens have the option to get a prosthetic, or artificial, testicle a few months after surgery. This can help make them feel more comfortable about their appearance. If your child feels self-conscious, it may help to talk to a therapist.

Can having only one testicle affect fathering children later in life? When they're adults, most males who had a testicle removed but still have one healthy testicle can father children.