Epididymitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is Epididymitis?

Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis that produces discomfort or pain in the scrotum, testicles, or epididymis. The epididymis is a coiled tube at the rear of your testicle; most people have one behind each testicle. It stores and transports sperm.

Inflammation anywhere on your body can be painful and uncomfortable. It can be particularly upsetting when it affects a sensitive place. However, inflammation is your body’s way of notifying you something is amiss, and you should consult a doctor. They will try their best to determine what is causing your pain, treat you quickly, and put your mind at ease. Let’s learn more about this condition and how  to get it treated properly.

Common Symptoms of Epididymitis

Epididymitis symptoms can include:

• Pain in your scrotum which may spread to the rest of your groin.
• The pain could be on one or both sides, minor or severe.
• Swollen testicles.
• Fever, chills.
• A sensation of pain during urinating (Dysuria).
• Presence of blood in your semen (Hematospermia). 

When to Consult a Doctor for Epididymitis

If you are experiencing significant discomfort in your scrotum, get immediate care. Do not overlook scrotal pain or swelling. This could be caused by a variety of factors. Some of these require immediate treatment to prevent irreparable damage. If you get discharge from your penis or pain when passing urine, visit a doctor.

Causes Behind Epididymitis

Here are the various causes behind epididymitis:

1. Bacterial infection is the leading cause of acute epididymitis.

2. The most prevalent cause of epididymitis in people under the age of 35 is sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.

3. If you are over 35, the most common cause of epididymitis is the backflow of infected urine down the ejaculatory tube to the epididymis. The most prevalent bacteria associated with this is E. coli.

4. Epididymitis can also be caused by infections such as the mumps virus or, in rare cases, tuberculosis.

Other, less common causes of epididymis are:

• An obstruction in the urethra.
• An infection of the prostate gland (prostatitis).
• Use a urinary catheter, such as a Foley catheter.
• An injury to your groin.
• The arrhythmia medicine amiodarone. 

Also Read: Aspermia vs Azoospermia- Causes, symptoms

Potential Risks of Epididymitis

Epididymitis can cause a number of risks if left untreated, including:

1. Abscess: A pus-filled ball that develops in the epididymis or scrotum. Surgery may be necessary to drain the abscess.

2. Chronic epididymitis: Inflammation can remain even if there is no bacterial infection.

3. Testicular tissue death: This can occur when the testicle does not receive enough blood flow.

4. Infertility: In rare circumstances, epididymitis can induce infertility.

5. Epididymo-orchitis: It occurs when an infection travels from the epididymis to the testicle.

6. Hydrocele: A hydrocele is a collection of fluid around the testicle.

7. Sepsis: Sepsis is one of the possible outcomes of a severe infection.

8. Opening in the scrotum: Scrotal skin breaks open as a result of edema and infection.  

Also Check: 5 things you need to know about male and female infertility

How Epididymitis Are Diagnosed

A doctor will ask you about your symptoms and examine your scrotum for tenderness or lumps. They may also prescribe tests like:

1. Urine analysis (pee test). To test for microorganisms in a sample of your urine.

2. Blood testing. The doctor will obtain a blood sample and look for symptoms of infection.

3. Bacterial swabs: A swab is inserted into your urethra and the swab is examined for STI infections (bacteria or viruses), which might require treatment.

4. Ultrasound: In rare situations, your doctor may take photographs of your scrotum for use in epididymitis diagnosis. 

Also Read: Age and Infertility: How Age Can Affect Fertility

Treatments for Epididymitis

Antibiotics and painkillers are frequently used to treat epididymitis. Sometimes surgery is required as an epididymitis treatment. Let’s read about these treatment options in detail:

1. Antibiotics

Antibiotics are required to treat bacterial epididymitis and epididymal-orchitis, which is an epididymitis infection that has progressed to the testicles. If the bacterial illness is caused by a sexually transmitted infection, all involved partners must be treated. Even if your symptoms improve quickly, take the entire course of antibiotics suggested by your doctor. This helps to ensure that the infection goes away completely.

2. Comfort Measures

After 2 to 3 days of antibiotic treatment, you should feel better, but pain and swelling may persist for several weeks. Resting, using an athletic supporter to support the scrotum, applying ice packs, and taking pain medication can all help ease discomfort. Your doctor may want to see you for a follow-up appointment to ensure that the infection has cleared and your symptoms have improved.

3. Surgery

If an abscess has formed, you may require surgery to drain it. Sometimes surgery is required to remove all or part of the epididymis. This surgery is known as an epididymectomy. When underlying urinary system anatomy causes epididymitis, surgical correction may be necessary.

Also Read: How Does Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Cause Infertility?

Lifestyle and Household Remedies

Epididymitis is commonly associated with severe pain. Try the following methods to alleviate your discomfort:

• Be on bed rest
• Lie down so your scrotum is lifted
• Apply cold packs to the scrotum
• Wear an athletic supporter
• Avoid lifting large items
• Avoid intercourse till your infection is cured

Conclusion

Discomfort or pain in or around your testicles may be difficult to discuss. Regardless of how unpleasant it is, it is critical to see a doctor. Specialists are caring and professional, and they value your well-being. Remember to take all medications exactly as prescribed and to follow your doctor’s instructions for a successful recovery.

FAQs on Epididymitis