What is the Difference Between Epididymitis and Testicular Torsion

The key difference between epididymitis and testicular torsion is that epididymitis occurs due to the inflammation of the small coiled tube called the epididymis at the back of the testicle, while testicular torsion occurs due to the rotating and twisting of the spermatic cord that provides blood flow to the testicle.

The testicles are a part of the male reproductive system. They are two oval-shaped organs about the size of large olives. They are located inside the scrotum, which is the loose sac of skin that hangs behind the penis. Testicular diseases are disorders that affect testicles. They can affect a man’s sexual functioning and fertility. Testicular cancer, epididymitis, testicular torsion, varicocele, hydrocele, hypogonadism, and orchitis are several testicular diseases.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Epididymitis 
3. What is Testicular Torsion
4. Similarities – Epididymitis and Testicular Torsion
5. Epididymitis vs Testicular Torsion in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Epididymitis vs Testicular Torsion

What is Epididymitis?

Epididymitis is a disease caused due to an inflammation of the epididymis located at the back of the testicle. Epididymis is a long coiled tube that sits alongside the testicle. Its function is to store sperm while they mature. Epididymitis takes place when epididymis becomes inflamed or infected. There are different causes of epididymitis. Sometimes, it can be an asexually transmitted infection. Epididymitis more often comes from an injury, a build-up of pressure such as after a vasectomy, or from urine backwashing into tubules during heavy lifting or straining.

The sign and symptoms of epididymitis include swollen, red warm scrotum, testicle pain and tenderness, painful urination, discharge from the penis, pain or discomfort in the lower abdominal region, blood in the semen, and fever. Chronic epididymitis lasts longer than six weeks. The symptoms of chronic epididymitis might come on gradually.

Epididymitis can be diagnosed through rectal examination, STI screening (sexually transmitted infections), urine tests, blood tests, and ultrasound. Furthermore, epididymitis treatment options include resting, elevating the scrotum, applying ice packs to the affected area, drinking fluids, antibiotics (doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole), pain medications (anti-inflammatory medications), and surgery such as epididymectomy.

What is Testicular Torsion?

Testicular torsion is a disease caused due to the rotating and twisting of the spermatic cord that provides blood flow to the testicle. Testicular torsion blocks the blood vessels to one testicle. Some men can have developmental problems that make them susceptible to testicular torsion. However, testicular torsion is a rare condition. It is an emergency situation; if the treatment is delayed, the testicle can die. Testicular torsion is more common during puberty (between ages 10 to 15). The causes for this condition may include family history, vigorous activity, minor injury, cold temperatures, and rapid growth of testicles. The symptoms of testicular torsion may include sudden, severe pain in the scrotum, swelling of the scrotum, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, testicle position being higher than normal or at an unusual angle, frequent urination, and fever.

Testicular torsion can be diagnosed through physical examination of the scrotum, testicles, abdomen, and groin, urine test, scrotal ultrasound, or surgery. Furthermore, testicular torsion can be treated through manual detorsion, surgical repair (orchiopexy), and surgery.

What are the Similarities Between Epididymitis and Testicular Torsion?

• Epididymitis and testicular torsion are two testicular diseases.
• They occur in the male reproductive system.
• They are treatable through respective surgeries.

What is the Difference Between Epididymitis and Testicular Torsion?

Epididymitis occurs due to the inflammation of the small coiled tube called the epididymis at the back of the testicle, while testicular torsion occurs due to the rotating and twisting of the spermatic cord that provides blood flow to the testicle. Thus, this is the key difference between epididymitis and testicular torsion. Furthermore, men between 14 and 35 years of age are most often affected by epididymitis, while men between 12 and 18 years of age are most often affected by testicular torsion.

The below infographic presents the differences between epididymitis and testicular torsion in tabular form for side by side comparison.

Summary – Epididymitis vs Testicular Torsion

Epididymitis and testicular torsion are two testicular diseases. Epididymitis occurs due to the inflammation of the small coiled tube called the epididymis at the back of the testicle. Testicular torsion occurs due to the rotating and twisting of the spermatic cord that provides blood flow to the testicle. So, this is the key difference between epididymitis and testicular torsion.

Reference:

1. “Epididymitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments for Inflammation of the Epididymis.” WebMD.
2. “Testicular Torsion: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Tuberculous epididymitis and orchitis (6539934463)” By Yale Rosen from USA – Tuberculous epididymitis and orchitisUploaded by CFCF (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “422 – Right testicular torsion” By Emergency Medicine Clinic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) via Flickr