Epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis; epididymo-orchitis is inflammation of the epididymis and testes.

Epididymitis and epididymo-orchitis are usually caused by a bacterial infection. Infection can result from surgery, the insertion of a catheter into the bladder, or the spread of infections from elsewhere in the urinary tract.

Symptoms of epididymitis and epididymo-orchitis include swelling and tenderness of the infected area, pain that may become constant and severe, fluid around the testes (hydrocele), and sometimes a fever. Rarely, an abscess (collection of pus) that feels like a soft lump develops in the scrotum.

Epididymitis and epididymo-orchitis are usually treated with antibiotics taken by mouth, bed rest, pain relievers, and ice packs applied to the scrotum. Immobilizing the scrotum with a jockstrap decreases pain from repetitive, minor bumps. Abscesses tend to drain on their own, but occasionally surgical drainage is necessary.

Last full review/revision February 2003