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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffEpididymitis is an inflammation of the coiled tube (epididymis) at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm. Pain and swelling are the most common signs and symptoms of epididymitis. Males of any age can get epididymitis, but it's most common in men between the ages of 20 and 39.
Epididymitis is most often caused by a bacterial infection or by a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. In some cases, the testicle also may become inflamed — a condition called epididymo-orchitis.
- Tracy CR, et al. Diagnosis and management of epididymitis. Urologic Clinics of North America. 2008;35:101.
- Nickel JC. Inflammatory conditions of the male genitourinary tract: Prostatitis and related conditions, orchitis, and epididymitis. In: Wein AJ. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/153597350-6/873677046/1445/12.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50011-X_746. Accessed Aug. 7, 2008.
- Fort GG. Epididymitis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/153597350-3/873676567/1701/204.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04134-8..50008-2--subchapter20_4323. Accessed Aug. 7, 2008.
- Brenner JS, et al. Causes of scrotal pain in children and adolescents. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 7, 2008.
- Eyre RC. Evaluation of the acute scrotum in adult men http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 7, 2008.
