title: Chronic unexplained orchialgia: a concept analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To conduct an analysis of the concept of chronic unexplained orchialgia.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Chronic unexplained orchialgia is a concept unique to men's health; however, clarity is lacking regarding the precise meaning of the key attributes of this important concept.
  
  
  METHODS
  Walker and Avant's framework was used to guide this concept analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature sources included bibliographic databases.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature published in English from January 1970 to December 31, 2012 was reviewed. Thematic analysis identified critical attributes, antecedents and consequences of the concept.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Based on the analysis, a contemporary definition for chronic unexplained orchialgia is proposed, rooted in the concept of chronic pain. This definition is based on the concept analysis and the defining attributes that were identified in the literature. Chronic unexplained orchialgia is a subjective negative experience of adult men, perceived as intermittent or continuous pain of variable intensity, present at least three months, localizing to the testis(es) in the absence of objective organic findings and that interferes with quality of life.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This analysis provides a precise definition for chronic unexplained orchialgia and distinguishes it from other similar terms. This concept analysis provides conceptual clarity that can guide understanding and development of a conceptual framework, middle range theory, or situation-specific theory. Further exploration of this concept is recommended to uncover the influence of social, sexual and cultural factors.
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
authors.forename: Susanne A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Quallich
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Arslanian-Engoren
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000628:therapy; D013733:Testicular Diseases / Q000473:pathology*
keywords: chronic orchialgia; chronic testicular pain; concept analysis; nurse practitioners; nursing; urology