The aetiology and management of acute epididymitis

The aetiology of acute epididymitis presenting to a surgical unit in a District General Hospital is presented. Patients over 45 years old frequently have a coliform urinary tract infection which may be associated with bladder neck obstruction. These patients require treatment with a suitable antibiotic (Co-trimoxazole) and further investigation. This condition occurs more commonly in patients under 45 years old in whom it is not associated with urinary tract infection. We have not demonstrated significant chlamydial infection and in a double blind study the antibiotic Co-trimoxazole did not hasten recovery. In this group the aetiology remains obscure.