Have you ever started to feel the scrotum pain or swell? You are not alone. Almost 1-2 out of every 1,000 men get epididymitis every year. Before we talk more about it, let’s understand what is epididymitis. It is an inflammation or soreness of the epididymis, a tiny tube in the scrotum that stores and carries sperm to the penis. To help you know more and take charge of your health, let’s discuss epididymitis, its causes, symptoms, and treatments.
What is Epididymitis?
Epididymitis means an infection or inflammation in the epididymis. The epididymis is a small and coiled tube in the prostate gland. It is an integral part of the male reproductive system that helps in sperm maturation before they are ejected. Epididymitis can cause severe pain and discomfort, accompanied by scrotal soreness, swelling, and redness.
Epididymitis is a major cause of all the infections in male sexual organs. This condition is commonly mistaken for epididymo-orchitis, in which the infection spreads to the testicles from the epididymis. Proper diagnosis is very important because both illnesses are identical. Untreated epididymitis disease can result in many problems, including abscesses or infertility.
What are the Types of Epididymitis?
Epididymitis is divided into two basic types:
- Acute Epididymitis: Typically results from bacterial infections and sexually transmitted infections. It develops quickly, with signs like intense scrotum pains, swelling, and recurrent fever.
- Chronic Epididymitis: This type develops over time and lasts for over six weeks. Although the pain may not feel as severe, it is constant and disrupts everyday activities.
On the other hand, epididymitis causes epididymo-orchitis when an infection travels across the epididymis to the testes. This infection makes up for a significant portion of all severe epididymitis cases.
What are the Symptoms of Epididymitis?
Epididymitis symptoms are generally straightforward to identify. Some common symptoms for epididymitis are:
- Testicular Pain and Swelling: It starts as a mild or severe pain that worsens daily. The affected area becomes visibly swollen, making everyday tasks harder.
- Redness and Warmth: The skin over the epididymis becomes red and warm. The blood flow increases as the body sends extra immune cells to fight the infection.
- Painful Urination: Bacterial infections in the scrotum may cause dysuria or discomfort during urination. It is a sign that the infection has spread from the epididymis and reached the urinary tract.
- Fever and chills: Some people suffer from fever as the body responds to infection. Chills are a sign that the body’s temperature regulation is responding to inflammation.
What is the Main Cause of Epididymitis?
Common causes of epididymitis differ in men of various ages, even though they are mostly linked to bacterial infections.
- In younger men: Sexually Transmitted Infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea are some of the most common reasons and cause up to 60–70% of cases. These bacteria pass from the urethra and into the epididymis.
- In older men: Non-sexually transmitted infections, specifically urinary tract infections (UTIs) and prostate infections, are the most common cause of epididymitis in males over 50. According to studies, urinary pathogens cause 40% of cases in this age range.
Other leading causes are:
- Surgical Operations: Medical tests and surgeries in the urinary tract can introduce bacteria in the body that further cause epididymitis.
- Scrotal Injury: Direct injury to the genital area contributes to inflammation.
- Testicular Cancer or Torsion: Testicular torsion happens when a testicle rotates and twists the spermatic cord, limiting blood flow to the testes. While testicular cancer and testicular torsion are not related to epididymitis, they present similar symptoms and must be ruled out.
How is Epididymitis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing epididymitis involves inspecting the complete medical record, performing a physical checkup, and performing diagnostic tests. Doctors look for the main signs of epididymitis, like redness, swelling, and discomfort. An ultrasound scan is also performed to rule out similar disorders, such as testicular cancer or torsion.
Moreover, blood tests and urine cultures are used to identify the kind of bacteria creating the infection. This ensures that the appropriate course of antibiotics is provided and followed. When the infection increases to epididymo-orchitis, advanced imaging is used to find out the degree of infection.
Management and Treatment
The success rate of epididymitis treatments depends on the cause of infection. Antibiotics are the primary treatment and are prescribed by a specialist. The duration of their course is usually 10-14 days. However, some specific antibiotics have alarming side effects, like affecting heart rhythm.
Individuals with a history of cardiac problems should always consult with their doctor before taking antibiotics. Other methods to manage this illness include anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that relieve pain and swelling, resting amply, using cold packs, and wearing supportive undergarments.
How to Prevent Epididymitis?
Epididymitis can be easily prevented by maintaining sexual and urinary hygiene. Here is what you can do to avoid it:
- Practice Safe Sex: Using contraception reduces the chance of STIs, the most common cause of acute epididymitis.
- Treat UTIs and prostate infections: Men over 50 should be careful about their urinary health. Any untreated infections might result in chronic inflammation and cause epididymitis.
- Monitor Your Sexual Partners: Regular STI testing can help prevent contagious prostate infections and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Takeaways
Epididymitis has distinct symptoms, risk factors, and treatment choices. Men must carefully identify and act on these signs timely. Understanding signs and symptoms swiftly and finding the right healthcare lowers the risk of serious infections. If you have testicular pain or spot abnormal swelling, don’t wait, early remedy makes all the difference.
FAQs
1.How common is epididymitis?
Studies show that every 1-2 in 1000 men develop epididymitis. In the US alone, more than 65000 men suffer from this every year.
2.Can you get epididymitis without an STI?
Yes, you can get epididymitis without an STI. Some of the most common causes in young boys and older men include non-sexually transmitted infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and prostate infections.
3.Is epididymitis contagious?
While epididymitis itself is not contagious, it can be contagious as a result of communicable STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
4.What is the difference between epididymitis and orchitis?
Epididymitis causes inflammation of the epididymis, a small coiled tube inside the prostate gland, whereas orchitis hurts the testicles. Epididymo-orchitis is an infection that occurs when both the organs are inflamed.
5.When should I see a healthcare provider?
If you have testicular pain, soreness, or irritation, seek medical care immediately. Early detection helps avoid complications such as orchitis or epididymal.
6.Does ejaculating help epididymitis?
There are no studies suggesting ejaculating improves or worsens epididymitis. The best course of action is to follow your doctor’s advice, which generally involves rest, antibiotics, and avoiding physical activities till the injury heals.
7.Can women get epididymitis?
No. Epididymitis is an infection in the male reproductive organs. As women do not have an epididymis, they can not get this disease.
8.When does epididymitis heal?
Epididymitis heals when its medication completes its course. Medicines include antibiotics, and the course lasts from 10-14 days.