Description
 Normal |
 Abnormal |
- The epididymides are coiled tubes that bring sperm from the testicles to the urethra (tube at the opening of the penis). These tubes are located just above the testicles. When an infection occurs in the epididymides, it is called epididymitis.
Symptoms
- Pain in the scrotum
- Scrotal swelling
- Penile discharge
- Pain at tip of penis
- Fever
Cause
- Sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as the following, is often the cause in adults under the age of 35:
- Non-sexually transmitted:
- Gram-negative bacteria/urinary tract infections
- Tuberculosis.
- Certain drugs such as amiodarone
-
- Congenital abnormalities (present at birth)
How the diagnosis is made
- Examination
– Tenderness above the testicles
- Elevated white blood cell count
- Gram stain and culture of penile discharge
- Ultrasound of scrotum
Treatment
- Sexually-transmitted forms:
– A one-time ceftriaxone injection and doxycycline by mouth for 10 days
- Non-sexually transmitted:
Similar Conditions
- Testicular tumors