The Urology Center Glossary terms

Epididymitis:

Epididymitis means inflammation of the epididymis. The epididymis is an anatomical structure located immediately adjacent to each testicle. It consists of a conglomeration of tiny tubules within which spermatozoa mature. Sperm from the testicles mature within the epididymis then are passed on through the vas deferens. Inflammation of the epididymis may be caused by infection, surgery or any irritant.

The most common cause of epididymitis in younger sexually active men is Chlamydia. In older men epididymitis is a often associated with infection of the testicle of the same side. In this group of men the infection is usually caused by common bacteria which are not thought to be sexually transmitted. Epididymitis at any age and especially in children may be associated with developmental or congenital abnormalities of other parts of the urinary tract. Thus, every patient suffering from epididymitis should undergo evaluation by a qualified urologist.

(See a related glossary terms: "inflammation", "Chlamydia", "urinary tract infection").