Acute Epididymitis

Alternate Names : Epididymitis, Epididymo-Orchitis

How is the disease diagnosed?

A physical exam and medical history are the keys to diagnosis. Pain comes on rapidly over a 1 or 2 day period. Symptoms of bladder infection may also be present. Urine tests such as urinalysis or urine culture may be done to look for signs of infection.

Epididymitis can sometimes be confused with testicular torsion. Torsion is a painful condition that occurs when a testicle twists abnormally and cuts off its own blood supply. Torsion is rare in older men. However, in a younger, sexually active man the two problems may look similar. Scrotal ultrasonography, a special x-ray test, may be needed to tell the difference.