Epididymitis

Epididymitis is an infection of the epididymis that usually results from an infected

prostate or urinary tract. It may also develop as a complication of gonorrhea. In men
younger than 35 years of age, the major cause is Chlamydia trachomatis infection.

CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
· Unilateral pain and soreness in the inguinal canal along the course of the vas deferens.
· Pain and swelling in the scrotum and groin.
· Extremely painful and swollen epididymis; temperature elevated.
· Pyuria and bacteriuria with resulting chills and fever.

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
· If seen within 24 hours after onset of pain, spermatic cord may be infiltrated with a local
anesthetic agent for relief.
· If chlamydial in origin, patient and patient’s sexual partners must be treated with
antibiotics.
· Observe for abscess formation.
· If no improvement within 2 weeks, consider underlying testicular tumor.
· Epididymectomy (excision of the epididymis from the testes) is done for recurrent,
incapacitating episodes or chronic, painful conditions.

NURSING MANAGEMENT
· Place patient on bed rest with scrotum elevated with a scrotal bridge or folded towel to
prevent traction on spermatic cord and improve venous drainage and relieve pain.
· Give antimicrobial medications as prescribed.
· Provide intermittent cold compresses to scrotum to help ease pain; later, local heat or
sitz baths may hasten resolution of inflammatory process.
· Give analgesic agents as prescribed for pain relief.
· Instruct patient to avoid straining, lifting, and sexual stimulation until infection is under
control.
· Instruct patient to continue with analgesic and antibiotic medications as prescribed and
to use ice packs as necessary for discomfort.
· Explain that it may take 4 weeks or longer for the epididymis to return to normal.