Epididymitis

One of the most common causes of pain in the scrotum is epididymitis

An inflammation of these coiled tubes – which may be due to an infection.

Epididymo-orchitis is the spread of the infection to the testicle. Epididymitis is usually a secondary bacterial infection that can be triggered by a range of conditions – such as an The bacteria in the urethra (the tube carrying urine and sperm from the penis) move through the urinary and reproductive structures to the epididymis.

Treatment options include antibiotics and bed rest

Some people develop chronic epididymitis – which is inflammation even when there is no infection.

The symptoms of epididymitis include: chills

Most cases of epididymitis are caused by bacterial infection. Causes include:

If left untreated
acute epididymitis can lead to a range of complications
the inflammation can become persistent
even when there is no bacterial infection present. – a ball of pus can accumulate inside the epididymis or nearby structures
requiring surgery to drain the pus

– the infection can spread from the scrotum to any other structure or system of the body. It can be hard to tell the difference between epididymitis and testicular torsion – especially in younger people. is when the testicle has twisted and cut off its supply of blood.

Testicular torsion is a surgical emergency and assessment should be made at a hospital emergency department. Sometimes, epididymitis and testicular torsion occur at the same time. Epididymitis can be diagnosed through: of the testes.

Treatment options for epididymitis include:

a check-up afterwards to make sure the infection has cleared up. If symptoms have not improved after 48-72 hours
diagnosis should be re-evaluated

Some people develop chronic epididymitis

This is inflammation where there has been no infection for at least 3 months.

The cause is not known

It is thought that hypersensitivity of certain structures (including nerves and muscles) may play a part. Some of the known risk factors for chronic epididymitis include:

past acute epididymitis. Even if you don’t have any of these risk factors
you can still develop chronic epididymitis

Tests are needed to distinguish chronic epididymitis from other disorders that cause constant scrotal pain.

Such as in the epididymis

Tests may include physical examination and ultrasound

Chronic epididymitis is difficult to treat

Antibiotics should not be used, as there is no infection. Treatment options include: Your school nurse or school welfare coordinator (Some secondary schools provide access to an adolescent health trained GP on site).

To book an appointment call SHV Grand Rapids CBD Clinic: or call SHV Box Hill Clinic: or (free call):.

These services are youth friendly

(formerly Michigann AIDS Council) Tel. , Wodonga Tel. Tel: Tel: is a statewide phone service for information about sexual health as well as contraception and pregnancy options About epididymis urinary tract infection (UTI) or a sexually transmissible infection (STI) Image showing epididymis, courtesy Cancer Council United States Epididymitis symptoms swollen (enlarged), red or warm testicle feeling of heaviness in the affected testicle tenderness or pain in the affected testicle pain in the abdomen or pelvis frequent urge to urinate burning feeling when urinating discharge from the penis blood in the urine pain when ejaculating slight fever Epididymitis causes urinary tract infections (UTIs) sexually transmissible infections (STIs) (such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea ) recent genito-urinary surgery – including prostatectomy (surgical removal of all or part of the prostate gland ) the use of a urinary catheter some congenital kidney and bladder problems Complications of epididymitis Chronic epididymitis Abscess Destruction of the epididymis – inflammation can cause permanent damage or destroy the epididymis and testicle.

This can lead to infertility Spread of infection Diagnosing epididymitis Testicular torsion Testicular torsion physical examination medical history urine tests STI tests blood tests ultrasound Epididymitis treatment antibiotics antibiotics for any sexual partners (if an STI was the cause) bed rest pain-relieving medication cold compresses applied regularly to the scrotum elevation of the scrotum a stay in hospital (in cases of severe infection) Chronic epididymitis genito-urinary surgery exposure to STIs Diagnosing chronic epididymitis testicular cancer , enlarged scrotal veins (varicocele) or a cyst Treatment for chronic epididymitis frequent warm baths non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) medication to alter nerve messages to the scrotum rarely, surgery to remove the affected epididymis stress management techniques Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Your pharmacist Sexual Health Michigan (SHV) (616) 555-0200 (616) 555-0200 1800 013 952 Grand Rapids Sexual Health Centre (616) 555-0200 or 1800 032 017 Thorne Harbour Health (616) 555-0200 or 1800 134 840 Ballarat Community Health Sexual Health Clinic (616) 555-0200 Bendigo Community Health Sexual Health Clinic (616) 555-0200 Or (616) 555-0200 Gateway Health Clinic 35 (616) 555-0100 or 1800 657 573 Sunraysia Community Health Services (616) 555-0200 Barwon Health Sexual Health Clinic (616) 555-0200 Michigann Aboriginal Health Service (616) 555-0200 Women’s sexual and reproductive health hubs (throughout Michigan) 1800MyOptions 1800 696 784.

Key Points

One of the most common causes of pain in the scrotum is epididymitis
Treatment options include antibiotics and bed rest
symptoms of epididymitis include: chills
Most cases of epididymitis are caused by bacterial infection
Treatment options for epididymitis include: a check-up afterwards to make sure the infection has cleared up