Red flags & when to go in person for Epididymitis (Suspected) - Triage

Audience: adult

Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis, a tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm. It often causes pain and swelling in the scrotum. If you suspect epididymitis, telemedicine can help guide you on next steps and provide education. However, some symptoms require urgent in-person care to prevent complications. This guide explains warning signs that mean you should seek emergency or prompt medical attention. It also clarifies what telemedicine can and cannot do for suspected epididymitis. Early treatment often helps prevent worsening symptoms or complications like abscess or testicular damage. If you have severe pain, fever, or other concerning symptoms, it is important to get evaluated in person. Use this information to know when to seek urgent care and how to prepare for a telemedicine visit about epididymitis.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden, severe testicular pain requiring emergency evaluation
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) with chills and scrotal swelling
• Rapidly worsening scrotal swelling or redness with nausea/vomiting

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking
• Providing education on epididymitis and symptom management
• Guiding when to seek urgent in-person care
• Follow-up advice if symptoms improve

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination of the scrotum and testicles
• Performing diagnostic tests such as urine analysis or ultrasound
• Administering immediate treatment for severe symptoms
• Diagnosing or ruling out testicular torsion

What is Epididymitis?

Epididymitis is swelling and inflammation of the epididymis, the tube behind the testicle that carries sperm. It often causes pain, tenderness, and swelling in one testicle. It may be caused by infections, including sexually transmitted infections or urinary tract infections. Symptoms can develop quickly or over a few days.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Typical symptoms include:

Not everyone has all symptoms, but these are common signs of epididymitis.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

Certain symptoms may indicate a more serious problem needing urgent evaluation:

If you have these, go to an emergency department or urgent care promptly.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Through a telemedicine visit, a healthcare provider can:

Telemedicine is useful for initial assessment and guidance but cannot perform physical exams or tests remotely.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Epididymitis

Telemedicine cannot:

If your symptoms worsen or do not improve, you will need to see a healthcare provider in person.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, private place for your telemedicine visit
• Have a list of your symptoms and when they started
• Prepare to describe your pain and any other symptoms clearly
• Have a list of any medications or allergies
• Be ready to answer questions about your sexual history if comfortable
• Ensure your device camera and microphone work properly

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on symptom management
• Seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear
• Take prescribed medications as directed if any are given
• Schedule follow-up appointments if recommended
• Keep track of your symptoms and report changes promptly

FAQs

What causes epididymitis?

Epididymitis is often caused by bacterial infections. In younger men, sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea are common causes. In older men, urinary tract infections or prostate infections may lead to epididymitis.

Can epididymitis go away on its own?

Mild cases sometimes improve with rest and home care. However, many people need antibiotics or other treatments to fully recover and avoid complications. It's important to get evaluated to know the best care.

Is epididymitis contagious?

Epididymitis itself is not contagious, but the infections causing it, such as some sexually transmitted infections, can be passed to others. Using protection during sex and informing partners is important.

How long does recovery take?

With proper treatment, symptoms often improve within a few days to weeks. Some pain or swelling may last longer. Follow your healthcare provider's advice and complete any prescribed treatment.

When should I see a doctor in person?

Seek in-person care if you have sudden severe testicular pain, high fever, rapidly worsening swelling, nausea or vomiting, or blood in urine. Also, if symptoms do not improve or worsen after initial care.

Sources

1. Epididymitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Epididymitis and Orchitis — Mayo Clinic.
3. Epididymitis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Epididymitis: Diagnosis and Management — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation and care. If you experience any red flag symptoms or worsening condition, seek immediate medical attention.