Etiology

an inflammation of the epididymis, usually as a result of an infection

• Urinary tract infections

  • Most common cause among older men and children

  • Pathogens: E. coli (most common), Pseudomonas (common), Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae

• Sexually transmitted infections

  • Most common cause among young males (usually < 35 years of age)

  • Pathogens: Chlamydia trachomatis (common), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (common), Treponema pallidum, Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardnerella vaginalis

• Chronic epididymitis (> 6-week course of the disease)

  • Recurrent and/or untreated acute epididymitis

  • Tuberculosis (usually associated with renal tuberculosis)

  • Rare, noninfectious causes

    • Amiodarone-induced epididymitis

    • Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Behcet disease): associated with granuloma formation in seminiferous tubules