Epididymitis

The epididymis connects to a tube called the vas deferens, which carries sperm to the urethra. The urethra is a single tube that carries both semen and urine out of the body through an opening at the tip of the penis. Each testicle has a separate epididymis and vas deferens.

Epididymitis Risks and Symptoms

Epididymitis is most often seen in boys ages 14 and older. Younger children are at risk if they have a viral infection. Though UTIs are not as common in boys, they may be more likely to develop a UTI if they have structural issues related to the urinary tract.

Symptoms can vary from child to child, but common symptoms of epididymitis include:

• Blood in the semen
• Feeling of heaviness in the testicles
• Fever
• Fluid leaking from the urethra
• Lump in the testicles
• Pain and swelling in the testicles
• Pain during urination or ejaculation

Potential complications if epididymitis is not treated can include:

• Chronic epididymitis (symptoms do not go away)
• Abscess developing
• Infection of the testicle
• Permanent injury to the epididymis and testicle

Epididymitis Diagnosis and Treatment

To diagnose epididymitis, your child’s healthcare provider will ask about their symptoms and health history and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:

• Urine tests to check for bacteria
• Ultrasound: An imaging test that uses soundwaves to look for structural problems in the genitourinary system

Treatment options include:

• Antibiotics to treat UTI, STI or other bacterial infection if necessary.
• Pain or anti-inflammatory medications.
• Normal underwear to relieve pain.
• Bed rest.

If your child has an STI, they should inform any sexual partners they had within 60 days before symptoms started so their partner(s) can begin treatment as well. Your teen and his partner should not have sex until they have been treated for the STI and are both symptom-free.