Epididymis

Infection of the Epididymis

What is epididymitis?

Infections within the scrotum usually involve the epididymis and/or testicles. The epididymis is a slender, convoluted (tightly coiled) structure lying on the backside of each testicle. It serves as a reservoir where sperm mature. When the epidiymis or testicle gets infected with bacteria or viruses, it is referred to as epididymitis or orchitis respectively.

Infections within the scrotum are readily treatable if diagnosed quickly. If left undiagnosed and untreated, it can advance and have severe consequences. 

Epididymitis is an inflammation of the coiled tube (epididymis) at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm. In certain cases, a testicle also may experience additional infection and inflammation as a result of epididymitis. That inflammation is called epididymo-orchitis.

Infertility

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Sperm Storage

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Cysts

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Leydig Cell Hypoplasia

What is Leydig Cell Hypoplasia?

Leydig cell hypoplasia (or aplasia) (LCH), also known as Leydig cell agenesis, is a rare autosomal recessive genetic and endocrine syndrome which affects approximately 1 in 1,000,000 males. It is characterized by the body's inability to respond to luteinizing hormone (LH), a gonadotropin which is normally responsible for signaling Leydig cells of the testicles to produce testosterone and other androgen sex hormones.

Treatment

Patients with Leydig cell hypoplasia may be treated with hormone replacement therapy (i.e., with androgens), which will result in normal sexual development and the resolution of most symptoms.