Epididymis infection
Symptoms and causes
Symptoms and causesWhat is it?
Epididymitis usually comes on suddenly and causes pain and/or swelling on one side of the scrotum. In some cases, the testicle is involved in the infection (which is called epididymyo orchitis). The disease can become chronic; in which case it is accompanied by repeated relapses (recurrence of infection). The infection can be caused by banal urinary bacteria, which cause a bladder infection in women, for example. But epididymitis is also regularly caused by sexually transmitted bacteria.
Which factors influence an epididymis infection?
The following factors increase the risk of an epididymis infection:
- Unprotected sexual contact
- Hindered urine stream (weak stream)
- Congenital abnormalities of the penis or urethra
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis and treatmentHow is the diagnosis determined?
- Clinical examination
- Urine analysis
- Ultrasound imaging
Treatment
Epididymitis is usually treated with antibiotics.
Treatment centres and specialisations
Treatment centres and specialisations
Latest publication date: 12/12/2023
Supervising author: Dr Ameye Filip
