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Epididymo-Orchitis
Medical Questions » Epididymo-Orchitis
| Name: Epididymo-Orchitis |
| Also known as: Testicular Infection |
| A bacterial or viral infection of the testicle and epididymis. |
Causes of Epididymo-Orchitis
The sperm produced in a testicle passes into a dense network of fine tubes that forms a lump on the back of the testicle called the epidermis. These join up to form the sperm tube (vas deferens) that takes the sperm to the penis. Epididymo-orchitis is an infection of both the epididymis and testicle. Orchitis is an infection of the testicle alone, but the infection is almost invariably present in both places. |
Symptoms of Epididymo-Orchitis
Men with a bacterial epididymo-orchitis are acutely uncomfortable, have a painful swollen testicle, and a fever. |
Tests for Epididymo-Orchitis
Blood tests may show the presence of infection in the body. |
Treatment for Epididymo-Orchitis
Appropriate antibiotics, aspirin or paracetamol for pain relief, ice may be applied to the scrotum, and a supportive bandage or jock-strap worn. If the infection is caused by a virus such as mumps, there is no effective treatment available.
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Complications of Epididymo-Orchitis of its treatment
Occasionally an abscess will form, which must be surgically drained. A painful testicle can also be caused by torsion of the testis (see separate entry), which is a surgical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Any boy or man, particularly in the teenage years or early twenties, who develops a painful testicle, must see a doctor immediately day or night. |
Likely Outcome of Epididymo-Orchitis
With the correct treatment, bacterial epididymo-orchitis resolves in a couple of days, and usually does not cause any problems with fertility or masculinity. In cases of viral infection there may be problems with fertility in later life. |
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