Which sign is positive in epididymitis, indicating relief of pain with scrotal elevation?

Which sign is positive in epididymitis, indicating relief of pain with scrotal elevation?

• A. Prehn Sign
• B. Cremasteric Reflex
• C. Phren's Sign
• D. No Sign

Answer: (A)

Relief of pain when the scrotum is elevated is called Prehn sign. This sign is classically positive in epididymitis, where scrotal elevation reduces venous congestion and inflammatory tenderness, helping differentiate it from testicular torsion, where lifting the testicle does not relieve ischemic pain. The cremasteric reflex is a separate exam finding (often present in epididymitis and absent in torsion) but it describes reflexive testicular elevation, not pain relief with elevation. Phren's sign and “no sign” are not reliable indicators for this distinction.

Relief of pain when the scrotum is elevated is called Prehn sign. This sign is classically positive in epididymitis, where scrotal elevation reduces venous congestion and inflammatory tenderness, helping differentiate it from testicular torsion, where lifting the testicle does not relieve ischemic pain. The cremasteric reflex is a separate exam finding (often present in epididymitis and absent in torsion) but it describes reflexive testicular elevation, not pain relief with elevation. Phren's sign and “no sign” are not reliable indicators for this distinction.