Epididymitis (inflammation of the testis organ)
Pelvis | Urology | Epididymitis (inflammation of the testis organ) (Disease)
Description
Epididymitis is the inflammation (swelling) of the epididymis, a structure in the male reproductive organs that joins the testis and the vas deferens. Inflammation of the epididymis may result in scrotal swelling, pain, penal discharge, blood in the semen, and fever.
Symptoms of epididymitis include scrotal swelling, scrotal pain, pain during urination, penile discharge, and cloudy or bloody urine. Fever and chills may develop in more severe infections.
Epididymitis can be hard to distinguish from testicular torsion. Both can occur at the same time. A urologist may need to be consulted.
Causes and Risk factors
Epididymitis is usually a secondary bacterial infection triggered by a range of conditions, such as urinary tract infections or sexually transmissible infections (STIs). The bacteria in the urethra (the tube carrying urine and sperm from the penis) move through the urinary and reproductive structures to the epididymis.
Epididymitis is most common in 19 to 35 year old men. Some of the same bacteria that are transmitted sexually, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, can also cause epididymitis.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Epididymitis usually has a gradual onset. On physical examination, the testicle is usually found to be in its normal vertical position, of equal size compared to its counterpart, and not high-riding. Typical findings are redness, warmth and swelling of the scrotum, with tenderness behind the testicle, away from the middle.
Antibiotics are prescribed. If the infection is felt to be sexually transmitted treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea is typically given and the sexual partners are treated as well to prevent recurrence. Pain medicines and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen or naproxen), pain medications such as acetaminophen are given for comfort. ...