It is the inflammation of the epididymis, an organ located at the back of the testicle that is responsible for storing and transporting sperm. Mainly two types of epididymitis are distinguished: chronic and acute.
The chronic is related only to testicular pain, while the acute is also associated with swelling, redness, and a sensation of heat in the scrotum. It can appear in any man, although it is usually more common in men between 19 and 35. If you want to know the complete information about epididymitis: causes, symptoms, and treatment, keep reading the following FastlyHealarticle, and we will explain it to you.
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Causes associated with epididymitis
The leading cause of epididymitis is usually a bacterial infection. The infection usually begins in the urethra, bladder, or prostate and eventually spreads to the epididymis. However, there are different possibilities of having this infection:
- For a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Within this possibility, we find chlamydia and gonorrhea. They are the most common among young people (19-35 years).
- The bacterial infection that is not sexually transmitted. In the case of children and older adults, the infection can be caused by a bacterium called E.coli or similar. It occurs when the prostate or urinary tract condition spreads to the epididymis, known as a urinary tract infection.
- Use of medications such as amiodarone. It is a drug used to combat cardiac arrhythmias and can cause inflammation of the epididymis.
- Urine in the epididymis. It occurs when urine returns to the epididymis, usually when we lift heavy objects.
- Tuberculosis, in some cases, this disease can lead to the development of infection.
- Recent surgery. The infection may appear if genito-urinary surgery has been carried out, including urinary catheterization and prostatectomy.
Symptoms derived from infection
The signs that tell us that we may suffer from epididymitis can vary. We can experience mild irritation with or without fever to swelling in the testicles with pain that goes according to the state of the infection. Other common symptoms that may appear are painful urination and chills.
Next, we will see what the symptoms derived from the infection are:
- Swelling of the scrotum. The testicle becomes inflamed, and, as a consequence, the scrotum experiences swelling.
- Blood in the semen. This symptom is due to inflammation or infection of the prostate or seminal vesicles.
- Lump in the testicle.
- Painful urination caused by swollen ducts. In some cases, blood may also appear along with the urine due to bleeding in the ducts.
- A whitish substance secreted by the tip of the penis. Also, as a result of infection and swelling of the urinary tract.
- Fever. When sickness and inflammation spread, it usually leads to increased body temperature, as our body’s defense mechanism.
Treatment of epididymitis
If the infection is sexually transmitted, it must be fought with an antibiotic, so both the patient who suffers the illness and his partner should take medication.
It is essential to carry out the treatment as indicated by the doctor, so it should be followed during the scheduled days. Even if improvements are experienced before the end of the treatment, the drug should continue to be taken until the doctor indicates its completion. Once the treatment is finished, you should go to the doctor again to verify that the infection reacted adequately to the treatment and that it has disappeared.
If the infection has been caused by the e.coli bacteria (not caused by sexual transmission), antibiotic treatment should also be carried out. If no improvement is experienced during treatment, you should see a doctor check that the infection has not been caused by a cause other than that previously predicted. Ibuprofen acts as an anti-inflammatory, so it is advisable to use it to combat swelling caused by infection and relieve pain.
It is essential to remember that you have to visit the doctor to tell you what type of infection you have, and based on the results, he can apply the most appropriate treatment.
Tips for relieving pain
There are several recommendations that can help you relieve pain while following the treatment indicated by your doctor:
- Repose. The fact of being stretched helps the affected area does not experience effort and, as a consequence, reduces pain.
- Apply cold to the affected area. Using some ice wrapped in a cloth to reduce testicular swelling can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Do not have sex until you are sure the infection is gone.
- Raise the scrotum. Applying a towel to keep the scrotum elevated can help decrease pain.
These recommendations are not a substitute for any medical treatment but can help carry it out.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Epididymitis: causes, symptoms, and treatment, we recommend that you enter our category of Male reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.