What is epididymitis? Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis. The epididymis (testis) is a highly convoluted duct located at the back of the testicle where sperm are stored and matured. When the epididymis becomes inflamed, it can cause pain and swelling of the testicles. Epididymitis can affect men of all ages, but is most common in men between the ages of 15 and 35. It is usually caused by bacterial infections and sexually transmitted diseases. The condition usually improves with antibiotic treatment. Acute epididymitis lasts about six weeks or less. In most cases of acute epididymitis, the testicles are also inflamed (orchitis). This condition is called epididymo-orchitis. It can be difficult to tell whether the testicles or epididymis are inflamed, or whether both the testicles and epididymis are inflamed. That is why the term epididymo-orchitis is often used. According to research, gonorrhea and chlamydia are the most common causes of epididymitis in men under the age of 35. Chronic epididymitis, on the other hand, lasts for more than six weeks. Symptoms include discomfort or pain in the scrotum, epididymis, or testicles. This can be caused by granulomatous reactions (tissue reactions that occur after cell damage) that can lead to cysts or calcifications. What are the symptoms of epididymitis? Epididymitis may begin with only some mild symptoms. When left untreated, symptoms usually worsen. People with epididymitis can get: Low-grade fever (when the fever lasts for a long time and can reach 38.3 ° C); Chills; Pelvic pain; Heaviness in the testicles; Pain and tenderness in the testicles; Redness and warmth of the scrotum; Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin; Pain during intercourse and ejaculation; Pain during urination or defecation; Urgent and frequent urination; Discharge from the penis; Blood in the semen What are the risk factors for epididymitis? The most common cause of epididymitis is sexually transmitted diseases, especially gonorrhea and chlamydia. However, epididymitis can also be caused by a non-sexually transmitted infection, such as a urinary tract infection or an infection of the prostate gland (prostatitis). An increased risk of epididymitis exists with: Unprotected sexual intercourse; Uncircumcised males; Presence of structural abnormalities of the urinary tract; Tuberculosis; Enlarged prostate causing bladder obstruction; Recent urinary tract surgery; Recent groin injury; Use of a urethral catheter; Taking amiodarone (an arrhythmia drug) Bibliography: Shenot, PJ (2015, May). Epididymitis Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Epididymitis