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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
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