Epididymitis
Epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis. It can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in the scrotum.
Symptoms
Scrotal pain and tenderness, swelling, warmth, and sometimes urinary symptoms.
Causes and risk
STIs (particularly chlamydia and gonorrhea) in younger men; urinary bacteria in older men. Rarely non-infectious causes.
How it is evaluated
Exam, urine testing, STI testing, and scrotal ultrasound to rule out torsion when needed.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and typically includes antibiotics, scrotal support, and pain relief.
When to seek care
Sudden severe testicular pain needs urgent evaluation to rule out testicular torsion, which is a surgical emergency.