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Epididymitis - Overview

Definition of Epididymitis:

Epididymitis is swelling (inflammation) of the epididymis, the tube that connects the testicle with the vas deferens.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Epididymitis is most common in young men ages 19 - 35. It is a major cause of hospital admissions in the military.

Epididymitis is usually caused by the spread of an infection from the urethra or the bladder. The most common infections that cause this condition in young heterosexual men are gonorrhea and chlamydia. In children and older men,E. coli and similar infections are much more common. This is also true in homosexual men.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) can occur as epididymitis. Other bacteria (such as Ureaplasma) may also cause the condition.

Another cause of epididymitis is the use of a medication called amiodarone, which prevents abnormal heart rhythms.

The following increase the risk for epididymitis:

  • Being uncircumcised
  • Recent surgery or a history of structural problems in the urinary tract
  • Regular use of a urethral catheter
  • Sexual intercourse with more than one partner and not using use condoms
  • Reviewed last on: 8/2/2008
  • David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Nickel JC. Inflammatory Conditions of the Male Genitourinary Tract: Prostatitis, and Related Conditions, Orchitis, Epididymitis. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 9.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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