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What is epididymo-orchitis?
Epididymitis means inflammation of the epididymis- the tube just outside the testis in which sperms mature.
Orchitis means inflammation of a testis (testicle).
As the epididymis and testis lie next to each other, it is often difficult to tell if the epididymis, the testis, or both are inflamed. Therefore the term epididymo-orchitis is often used.
Most cases are due to bacterial infection secondary to pre-existing uroloigcal problem(e.g. prostate enlargement) or sexual transmitted infection in young age.
Mumps ( viral infection usually in childhood) infection in boys also causes epididymo-orchitis in about 1 in 5 cases. This cause is now uncommon since the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is now routinely given to children.
Most cases are due to bacterial infection secondary to pre-existing uroloigcal problem(e.g. prostate enlargement) or sexual transmitted infection in young age.
Mumps ( viral infection usually in childhood) infection in boys also causes epididymo-orchitis in about 1 in 5 cases. This cause is now uncommon since the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is now routinely given to children.
How is epididymo-orchitis diagnosed?
The affected epididymis and testis swell rapidly, and the scrotum becomes enlarged, tender, and red. It can be very painful
Diagnosis can be confirmed after an examination by ultrasound of scrotum, urine testing for infection. Later investigations can be done to find any pre-existing abnormality.
The affected epididymis and testis swell rapidly, and the scrotum becomes enlarged, tender, and red. It can be very painful
Diagnosis can be confirmed after an examination by ultrasound of scrotum, urine testing for infection. Later investigations can be done to find any pre-existing abnormality.
How is epididymo-orchitis treated?
A course of antibiotics is usually advised as soon as epididymo-orchitis is diagnosed by the urologist. These normally work well. Pain usually eases within a few days, but swelling may take a week or so to go down. Supporting underwear and painkillers will ease the pain.
A course of antibiotics is usually advised as soon as epididymo-orchitis is diagnosed by the urologist. These normally work well. Pain usually eases within a few days, but swelling may take a week or so to go down. Supporting underwear and painkillers will ease the pain.
What complications can be produced by epidymo-orchitis?
Most people recover fully and complications are uncommon. Possible complications include:An abscess develops in the scrotum. This may need a small operation to drain the pus.
Reduced fertility in the affected testis.
An ongoing (chronic) inflammation occasionally develops. Rarely, serious damage to the testis may occur and result in gangrene (dead tissue) in the testis that needs to be surgically removed.
Most people recover fully and complications are uncommon. Possible complications include: