Author
Home > Health > What is the Difference Between Orchitis and Epididymitis?

Guilherme Mazui

•4 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Orchitis and Epididymitis?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Epididymitis and orchitis are both conditions that involve inflammation of the male reproductive organs. However, they affect different parts of the reproductive system and can have different causes:

Epididymitis:

  • Inflammation of the epididymis, the coiled tube on top of the testis that stores and carries sperm.
  • Most often caused by an infection, such as E. coli, Mycoplasma, or Chlamydia, which can be spread through sexual contact or by urine flowing backward into the epididymis.
  • Symptoms may include swelling and tenderness of the affected area, fluid around the testes (hydrocele), and sometimes fever.

Orchitis:

  • Inflammation of one or both testicles.
  • Can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or the mumps virus.
  • Symptoms may include pain in the scrotum, testicular swelling, and sometimes fever.

These conditions can sometimes occur simultaneously, a condition called epididymo-orchitis. While epididymitis and orchitis share similarities, they affect different parts of the male reproductive system and can have different causes. If you suspect you have either of these conditions, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Orchitis and Epididymitis?
  • Comparative Table: Orchitis vs Epididymitis

    • Comparative Table: Orchitis vs Epididymitis

    Epididymitis and orchitis are both inflammatory conditions affecting the male reproductive system. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:

    Condition Epididymitis Orchitis
    Definition Inflammation of the epididymis, the coiled tube on top of the testis that stores and carries sperm Inflammation of the testes
    Affected Area Affects the epididymis, which is located on top of the testis Affects the testicles, which are the two oval-shaped organs that produce sperm
    Cause Often caused by a bacterial infection, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, or by reverse flow of urine into the epididymis Usually occurs when the inflammation from the epididymis spreads to the adjacent testicle
    Symptoms Swelling and tenderness or pain in the affected area, fluid around the testes (hydrocele), and sometimes fever Swelling or pain in one or both testicles
    Diagnosis Physical examination, urinalysis, and sometimes Doppler ultrasonography Physical examination and urinalysis
    Treatment Antibiotics taken by mouth, bed rest, pain relievers, and ice packs applied to the scrotum Treatment for orchitis depends on the cause, which may include antibiotics, pain relievers, and bed rest

    Keep in mind that these conditions can be subclassified as acute, subacute, or chronic based on symptom duration. Acute epididymitis is characterized by pain and swelling, and is present for less than six weeks, while chronic epididymitis is characterized by pain without swelling that persists for more than three months.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.