Managing Scrotal EdemaTreating a Swollen Penis or Scrotum at Home

What is scrotal edema?

The scrotum is the bag of skin that covers your testicles. Scrotal edema is when your penis or scrotum swells up because of fluid inside. This often happens together with swollen legs or feet.

Scrotal edema can be very painful. It can also cause skin sores and make it hard for you to move around.

What can I do for scrotal edema?

Here are some ways to reduce swelling:

• Put a folded towel under your scrotum to raise it up. (See the photos.)

• When lying down, lie as flat as you can comfortably. Try not to raise your head and feet in bed. Try not to sleep in a recliner.

• Wear compression shorts or boxer briefs. Wear them snug, but not painfully tight. (You can find these at most department, drug or medical supply stores.)

• Wear a Jock Strap, Veronique or other support.

• Walk and move around as much as you can every day.

• Lean back when you sit. Try not to sit bolt upright or hunched forward. (Don’t lean against your groin.)

• Use a compression bandage. (See the photos.)

Folded towel

Fold a face towel into a triangle like a flag, as in the pictures. Lay the folded towel on your lap, under your scrotum.

Compression bandages

Comperm tubular compression bandage

Pull the tube over and around the penis and scrotum. You may either cut off the extra bandage length or twist and make a double fold with the extra:

For informational purposes only. Not to replace the advice of your health care provider. Copyright © 2017 Fairview Health Services. All rights reserved. SMARTworks 524761 – 05/17.

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Ace bandage

Wrap the ACE bandage in a figure 8 pattern around the scrotum and penis:

Your wearing schedule and care instructions:

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Note: Change your bandages whenever they get dirty.

When should I call the doctor?

Call your doctor if you have any of these signs.

• Swelling that doesn’t go away or moves to another part of the genitals or belly

• If you can’t manage your wearing schedule, or it makes your pain worse

• Any of the following, especially on or under the skin of your scrotum: • Worse pain• Numbness or tingling• Redness or soreness

• Easy bruising, a lot of bleeding or blood in your stool

• If your swelling lasts longer than 2-3 weeks

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