Epididymo-orchitis
Epididymo-orchitis in heterosexual men
What is epidiymo-orchitis?
- Pain and swelling of the scrotum (ball bag) effecting the epididymis (epididymitis), the testicles (orchitis) or both (epididymo-orchitis).
- In young men under the age of 35 years it is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection e.g. chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
- In older men over the age of 35 years it is usually caused by a non sexually transmitted infection causing urine infections.
- Prompt medical assessment is needed to rule out the possibility of testicular torsion which can lead to testicular atrophy.
- If you have epididymo-orchitis we recommend that you should have a full STI screen including an HIV test.
- Epidiymo-orchitis is easily treated with antibiotics and rest.
How common is epididymo-orchitis?
- It occurs most commonly in young men aged 19- 40 years.
How do you catch epididymo-orchitis?
- In young men under the age of 35 years the most common cause is a sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
- In older men over the age of 35 years the most common cause is a urine infection – but it may also be caused by a sexually transmitted infection.
- It may also be caused by bacteria caught during insertive anal intercourse.
- Rarely epididymo-orchitis may be caused by other infections such as mumps or tuberculosis.
What would I notice if I had epididymo-orchitis?
- A rapid onset of pain and swelling in one of your testicles.
- Some men may also notice a discharge from the tip of the penis and/or pain on passing urine.
- Occasionally you may feel generally unwell with a fever.
How do I get tested for epididymo-orchitis?
- Epididymo-orchitis is diagnosed by a medical assessment, STI screen and urine test.
- It will be treated immediately at your first visit to the clinic.
- If there is any concern about a possible torsion of the testicles you will be referred immediately to the Accident & Emergency Department at Kingston Hospital for further assessment and scanning.
How is epididymo-orchitis treated?
- Epididymo-orchitis is treated with a mixture of antibiotics to cover the most likely infections.
- At the Wolverton you will usually be given:
- CEFTRIAXONE 250mg as a single injection
FOLLOWED BY
- DOXYCYCLINE 100mg capsule twice daily for 2 weeks
- You will be advised to rest, wear a scrotal support and take regular painkillers such as ibuprofen.
- You will be reviewed again routinely in 2 weeks after completing your antibiotics.
- If your symptoms have not started to improve within 3 days you should attend the Wolverton again for an early review.
- Testicular pain and swelling frequently takes many weeks or months to completely settle following treatment.
What about my partner?
- Epididymo-orchitis is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection so it is important that all current female partners are have a full STI screen and are treated with antibiotics too.
- Sometimes ex partners will need to be tested too – you will be advised about this.
- Make sure that both you and your partner complete your courses of antibiotics before having sex again.
- For men where the cause has been confirmed as a urine infection, treatment of partners is not required.
What happens if my epididymo-orchitis is left untreated?
- The testicular pain and swelling will last much longer.
- Untreated infection is more likely to lead to complications such as
- chronic testicular pain
- an abscess
- rarely testicular atrophy and loss of fertility