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Epididymitis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Treatment:

Medications to treat infection are prescribed. Sexually-transmitted infections require special antibiotics, and the patient's sexual partners should also be simultaneously treated. Pain medications may be required and anti-inflammatory medications are often prescribed.

Bed rest, with elevation of the scrotum and ice packs applied to the area, is recommended. It is very important to have a follow-up visit with your health care provider to evaluate whether the infection has completely resolved.

Expectations (prognosis):

Epididymitis usually resolves with appropriate antibiotic therapy, without any damage to prior sexual or reproductive abilities. Recurrence is fairly common.

Complications:

Complications include testicular infarction, scrotal abscess, cutaneous scrotal fistula, chronic epididymitis and infertility.

Acute scrotal pain is a true medical emergency with serious consequences -- immediate medical evaluation is critical.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of epididymitis develop. Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if severe testicle pain develops suddenly or follows an injury.

• Review Date: 8/24/2006
• Reviewed By: David R. Knowles, M.D., Advanced Urologic Surgeons, Mt. Vernon, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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