Epididymis inflammation

Another reason for recurrent epididymitis may be due to difficulties in urination caused by prostate enlargement or urethral stricture. Epididymitis is characterised by strong local, often unilateral pain, and redness and swelling of the scrotum, sometimes with fever.

Sometimes there is also a urinary tract infection or an accompanying inflammation of the equilateral testicle. In rare cases there may be formation of pus, which can lead, under certain circumstances, to the surgical removal of the epididymis. Isolated testicular inflammations are rare and are usually due a viral infection (e.g. mumps). They are treated symptomatically and with medication.

In case of acute pain in the testicular, it is important to exclude testicular torsion (twisting of the testis), especially in boys and young adults. In this case, the testicle is at risk to die off if it is not turned back surgically as quickly possible. It is therefore an urgent emergency.

Diagnostics

• Palpation of the genitals
• Blood tests
• Ultraschall of the testis and epididymis

Therapy

A testicular or epididymal inflammation should be treated as soon as possible with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. Pain relief therapy entails bed rest and cooling and elevating the scrotum. In addition, the causative reasons must be identified and treated if necessary (residual urine, prostate enlargement, etc.).