EPIDIDYMITIS

What is epididymitis?
Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis, the tube which carries sperm from the testis to the vas deferens.

What are the symptoms of epididymitis?
Pain and swelling around the testis, with swelling and sometimes redness of the skin of the scrotum. If there is an associated urinary tract infection, there may also be burning on urination, frequent voiding or urethral discharges.

What causes epididymitis?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, urinary tract infections, trauma to the scrotum including scrotal surgery and straining with reflux of urine up the ejaculatory duct causing "chemical" inflammation.

Epididymitis can be diagnosed with a history and physical examination. It is important to rule out other causes of painful scrotal swelling such as abscess, tumors, and testicular torsion, urinalysis, culture or smears to detect STD, scrotal ultrasound or nuclear scan.

How is epididymitis treated?
Rest and scrotal support, initial ice packs, appropriate antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.

What are the long term effects of epididymitis?
Most patients recover completely, but severe cases can result in abscess, loss of the testicle or obstruction of the epididymis with sterility on the affected side.