[Current Aspects of Epididymo-Orchitis]

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Infectious Diseases
• Andrology

Background:

• Acute epididymitis is the most common male urogenital infection, affecting all age groups.
• Pathogens range from sexually transmitted infections to enterobacteria, with increasing awareness of virulence factors.
• Untreated inflammation can spread to the testis, causing epididymo-orchitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review major aspects of acute epididymitis.
• To summarize the latest scientific findings on etiology, diagnosis, and management.
• To highlight current understanding relevant to updated clinical guidelines.

Main Methods:

• A selective literature search was performed using Medline.
• The search included publications from the last 40 years.

Main Results:

• Affects approximately 400/100,000 men annually; bacterial ascension is a primary cause.
• 88% of epididymal abscesses resolve without surgery; specific antibiotic regimens are recommended for catheterized patients.
• 40% experience post-inflammatory sub-fertility; virulence factors impact semen quality. Adequate treatment prevents testicular atrophy and recurrence is low (10%).

Conclusions:

• This review presents key aspects of acute epididymitis.
• Findings are increasingly adopted in updated clinical guidelines.
• Understanding pathogens and treatment impacts outcomes, including fertility.