What is epididymitis and orchitis?

Epididymitis is pain and swelling of the tube that attaches to each testicle. This tube is called the epididymis. Orchitis is pain and swelling of the testicle. Infection with bacteria often causes these problems. Other causes are infections from surgery or from a catheter that drains urine. The mumps virus also can cause orchitis.

Pain medicine or anti-inflammatory medicines can help with the pain. Antibiotics are used if the problem is caused by bacteria. They are not used if a virus is the cause.

The doctor has checked your child carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or your child does not get better as expected, get medical treatment right away.

Pain, tenderness, and swelling in the scrotum (epididymides or testicles) that gradually get worse are the most common symptoms of epididymitis. Other symptoms may include fever and chills, frequent or painful urination, or a discharge from the penis.

If it is caused by an infection, epididymitis may be treated with antibiotics. Supportive measures, such as bed rest and anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen or ketoprofen), may help relieve discomfort caused by epididymitis. You may also want to elevate your scrotum by rolling up a hand towel and placing it under your scrotum.

If epididymitis was caused by a sexually transmitted infection, your sex partner should also be evaluated and treated for a possible infection.

Epididymitis is diagnosed using a physical exam and a medical history. A culture of discharge from the penis is done to check for a bacterial infection, such as a sexually transmitted infection. And a urinalysis and urine culture are done to check for a urinary tract infection. You may also have a blood test or other tests.

An ultrasound may be done to look for the cause of swelling. Causes may include problems like torsion of the testicle, an emergency condition that causes loss of blood flow to the testicles and requires urgent surgical treatment.

• If the doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• Limit your child's activity to what is comfortable.
• Have your child wear snug underwear or an athletic supporter. This can help reduce pain.
• Apply either cold or heat to the swollen area. Use the one that works best for your child's pain. You may have your child sit in a warm bath for 15 minutes twice a day. This will help reduce the swelling more quickly.

The causes of epididymitis vary depending on your age and behavior. In children it is most commonly associated with urinary tract infections. In young, sexually active males, it is often linked to sexually transmitted infection. And in older males, it is often caused by enlargement of the prostate gland. Epididymitis may be caused by a bacterial infection from having a urinary catheter or after having a urological procedure. And an injury to the groin may cause epididymitis.

The epididymis is a long, tightly coiled tube that lies above and behind each testicle. It collects and stores maturing sperm made by the testicles prior to ejaculation. Inflammation and infection of the epididymis is called epididymitis.