Testicular Torsion Repair Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for testicular torsion repair: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Testicular Health Monitoring
- •Perform monthly self-exams after full recovery to check for changes in size, shape, or firmness
- •The repaired testicle may feel slightly different in size or texture; this is normal
- •If the testicle was not salvageable and was removed, discuss hormone monitoring with your urologist
- •Future fertility is usually preserved if surgery occurred within 6 hours of symptom onset
Testicular Torsion Repair recovery, day by day
Immediate Post-Op
- Apply ice to the scrotum: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for the first 48 hours
- Wear snug, supportive underwear, athletic supporter or briefs at all times for 2 weeks
- Elevate the scrotum on a rolled towel when lying down to reduce swelling
- Take prescribed pain medication before anesthesia fully wears off
Activity Restrictions
- Strict bed rest for the first 24 hours except for bathroom use
- No lifting anything over 5 lbs for 2 weeks
- No straining, bending at the waist, or abdominal exercises
- No driving while on prescription pain medication
Wound Care
- Keep incision dry for 48 hours; then gentle shower is OK
- Do not submerge in a bath, pool, or hot tub for 2 weeks
- Dissolving stitches will fall out on their own in 7 to 14 days
- Bruising and swelling of the scrotum are expected and will gradually resolve
Pain Management
- Alternate ibuprofen, 400mg every 6 hours and acetaminophen, 500mg every 6 hours for pain
- Ice 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off while awake to reduce swelling
- Scrotal swelling typically peaks on day 2 to 3 then improves
Gradual Return to Activity
- Begin short walks, 10 to 15 minutes twice daily
- Continue wearing supportive underwear at all times
- No running, cycling, or contact sports
- May return to desk work or school if pain is manageable
Recovery and Follow-Up
- Follow-up appointment at 1 to 2 weeks to check blood flow with ultrasound
- Gradually resume normal physical activity after clearance from surgeon
- No contact sports or heavy exercise until cleared, typically 4 to 6 weeks
- Report any new scrotal pain, swelling, or change in testicle size immediately
When to call your provider or 911
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Return of severe, sudden scrotal pain, possible re-torsion
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Increasing scrotal swelling after initial improvement
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Fever above 101.5 degrees F, 38.6 degrees C
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Wound opening, pus, or foul-smelling drainage from incision
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Inability to urinate for more than 8 hours
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Testicle feels hard, firm, or significantly different than before surgery
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 3
Swelling Peaks Then Resolves
Day 2 to 3 swelling peak; steady improvement expected after
- Day 5
Recovery Progress Check
Notice what is improving, unchanged, or worsening. Contact the care team if symptoms are getting worse or the next step is unclear.
- Day 14
Follow-Up Ultrasound
Confirm blood flow to the testicle is adequate
- Day 14
Ongoing Recovery Review
Review any remaining symptoms or restrictions with the care team before changing your routine.
For clinics
Stop photocopying aftercare sheets.
QR Rx sends this exact testicular torsion repair recovery plan to every patient, branded to your practice, opened by a QR code. It checks in automatically, answers post-op questions, asks for a review at the right moment, and brings patients back for their next visit. The aftercare you already owe every patient, doing the work of keeping them.
HIPAA compliant. No card, no contract.