What Is Epididymitis? Discuss It’s Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

Epididymitis refers to the coiled tube inflammation at your testicles back that carries and stores sperm. Males can get epididymitis at any age. A bacterial infection usually causes this condition including sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The example of these infections is chlamydia and gonorrhea. A testicle may also become inflamed sometimes. This condition is called epididymal-orchitis.

Symptoms

Following are the signs and symptoms of epididymitis.

• A warm, swollen, or red scrotum
• Testicle tenderness and pain usually on one side gradually
• Penis discharge
• Painful urination or a frequent need to urinate
• Fever (less common)
• Presence of blood in semen
• Pain or discomfort in the pelvic or lower abdomen area

Causes

Following are the causes of epididymitis.

STIs

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the common causes of epididymitis in sexually active men who are young.

Other Infections

Bacteria from prostate infections or urinary tract spread to epididymis from the infected site. Viral infections like the mumps virus can also cause epididymitis.

Urine In Epididymis

When urine starts flowing backward because of straining or heavy lifting in the epididymis then this condition occurs. It is also called the chemical epididymitis.

Trauma

Groin injury can lead to epididymitis.

Tuberculosis

Infection of tuberculosis can also cause epididymitis.

Diagnosis

The doctor checks the lymph nodes in the groin that are enlarged. He will also check the enlarged testicles on the side that is affected. Your doctor passes you through a rectal examination to examine the prostate tenderness or enlargement.

Following are the tests that your doctor might recommend to you.

• STI Screening
• Ultrasound
• Blood and Urine Tests

Treatment

Antibiotics are used for the treatment of epididymo-orchitis and bacterial epididymitis. Your sexual partner might need treatment if bacterial infection in sexually transmitted disease is the cause of epididymitis. Take the complete antibiotics course that the doctor has prescribed you.

You must have to complete the course even if you have no symptoms to ensure that you are free of infection. You will feel better than before within 42 to 72 hours after starting antibiotics.

Using athletic support for the scrotum, applying ice packs, resting, and taking medications for pain can help you to relieve discomfort. Your doctor will recommend a follow-up visit to examine if the infection has cleared.

Surgery

You might require surgery if the formation of an abscess has occurred. Sometimes specific parts or all areas of the epididymis need surgical removal. If physical abnormalities are the cause of epididymitis then the doctor might also recommend surgery.

Home Remedies And Lifestyle

Epididymitis leads to considerable pain. Use the following tips to ease the level of your discomfort.

• Rest in bed
• Wear the athletic supporter
• Lie down to elevate the scrotum
• Apply cold packs to the scrotum
• Try to avoid lifting objects that are heavy
• Avoid sexual activity until you are free from infection

Preparation Of Your Appointment

A healthcare professional might refer you to a urologist who specializes in urinary problems.

Things You Should Do

Prepare a list of:

• All medications including supplements or vitamins you take or doses
• Medical information
• Symptoms you experience
• Questions that you need to ask from your doctor

You can ask the following important things from your doctor.

• Most likely causes that induce symptoms and other possible causes of the disease
• Tests that you might need
• Available treatments
• Time of recovery
• Should your partner have an STI test or not?
• Guidelines about sexual activities

If you have other medical issues then discuss them with your doctor to take the right treatment. Do not hesitate to ask other questions from your doctor.

Risk Factors

Some sexual behaviors cause STIs and put you at the risk of suffering from transmitted epididymitis. It can occur if you have a sex partner who is suffering from sexually transmitted infections or if you do sex without using a condom.

Having a history of sexually transmitted infections is also a risk factor for developing epididymitis. 

Complications

Following are the complications that you may experience if you have epididymitis.

• Infection that is full of pus in the area of the scrotum
• Reduced fertility (occurs in rare cases)
• Epididymo-orchitis, when the condition spread to the area of your testicles from the epididymis

Do not leave any medical condition untreated that needs attention. It can cause long-term complications and other issues related to health. It is important to take the right treatment at the early stages in order to get complete recovery.