Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is epididymitis?
- How common is this condition?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of epididymitis?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes epididymitis?
- 1. Venereal disease
- 2. Urinary tract infection
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for epididymitis?
- Medicines & Medicines
- What are my treatment options for epididymitis?
- Antibiotics
- Pain reliever
- What are the usual tests to diagnose this condition?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat epididymitis?
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Definition
What is epididymitis?
Epididymitis is a condition in which the epididymis becomes inflamed due to infection or other conditions. The epididymis itself is a tube at the back of the testis that carries sperm from the testis to the urethra.
Epididymitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection or sexually transmitted disease. If the testicles are also infected, the condition is called epididymo-orchitis.
If you feel the connected parts on the top and back of the testicle, this is the epididymis. This channel plays a role in storing and carrying sperm from the testes to the vas deferens (long tubes that supply mature sperm), where they are accommodated in the urethra.
Under certain conditions, the epididymis can become inflamed and swollen, causing pain. This is called epididymitis or inflammation of the sperm duct.
Judging from the inflammatory conditions that can be experienced, this condition is divided into two types, namely:
- Acute epididymitis, namely inflammation of the sperm duct that occurs suddenly and develops rapidly. This type of epididymitis usually resolves faster because it occurs in less than 6 weeks.
- Chronic epididymitis, namely inflammation of the sperm duct that develops slowly and causes dull pain. However, this type of epididymitis actually lasts longer than acute epididymitis, which is more than 6 weeks.
How common is this condition?
Epididymitis is very common in men. This condition usually affects men between the ages of 19 and 35 and can be treated by reducing the risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of epididymitis?
When bacteria start to enter the sperm duct, the epididymis will start to become inflamed and swell. You will usually feel pain in one testicle, rather than both.
Common symptoms of epididymitis are:
- Epididymis pain and swelling
- Mild fever
- Goosebumps
- Frequent and painful urination
- Discharge from the penis
- Pain in the testicles
- Sex is painful
- There is blood in the semen
- Discomfort in the lower abdomen
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin
Not all men will experience the same signs and symptoms of epididymitis, because this depends on the cause of the epididymitis itself. For example, if your condition is caused by a urinary tract infection, you may experience pain when urinating.
Meanwhile, if it is caused by venereal disease, it is likely that there will be a strong smelling discharge that will come out of your penis.
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
Cause
What causes epididymitis?
Epididymitis is caused by the entry of bacteria into the urethra, prostate, or bladder into the sperm duct (epididymis), which causes inflammation. There are two main causes of the epididymis, including:
1. Venereal disease
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that several venereal diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, are the most common causes of epididymitis in men aged 35 years and under, as reported by Healthline.
Especially if you frequently change partners and do not use condoms during intercourse, the risk of epididymitis can increase in you.
2. Urinary tract infection
Epididymitis due to urinary tract infection is more common in children and adult men aged 35 years and over. This risk can increase if you experience:
- Swelling of the prostate pressing on the bladder
- Inserting a catheter into the penis
- Surgery on the groin, bladder, or prostate gland
Apart from venereal disease and urinary tract infections, there are several other causes of epididymitis that are completely unrelated to the reproductive organs.
For example, goiter, tuberculosis, groin injuries, kidney problems, and congenital bladder. Unfortunately, experts do not know for sure the relationship between these things.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for epididymitis?
Epididymitis is a condition that can be caused due to several risk factors, namely:
- If you haven't been circumcised.
- If you have unprotected sex or with a partner who has a sexually transmitted disease.
- You have tuberculosis.
- You have a urinary tract disorder.
- You have recently had urinary tract surgery or have injured your thigh.
- You are using a urinary catheter or a urinary tube.
- You're taking amiodarone.
- Your prostate is enlarged.
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for epididymitis?
Epididymitis is a condition that can be treated with drugs to kill bacteria or control the underlying condition. Some of the drugs that are often used are:
Antibiotics
As a first step, the doctor will give antibiotics to relieve symptoms of epididymitis. Even if you feel better after taking the antibiotics, you should still continue until the antibiotics are finished so that the infection is completely gone.
Pain reliever
If your testicles are still sore and swollen, try taking a pain reliever such as ibuprofen to relieve it. You can also compress the groin area with a cloth filled with ice cubes and use special underwear for a few days.
Last but not least, avoid unprotected sex and the habit of changing partners. Remember, these things can increase your risk of contracting venereal disease and increase your risk of epididymitis.
Surgery is needed when the epididymis needs to be removed or to eliminate the cause.
What are the usual tests to diagnose this condition?
The doctor may start with a physical exam to check the testicles or groin area and any abnormal changes, such as discharge from the penis. The doctor can take a fluid sample to test for disease.
Some of the other tests to diagnose this condition are:
- Urine and blood tests: a sample is taken to look for any abnormalities.
- Ultrasound (USG): this imaging test can rule out testicular torsion and other conditions. This test helps the doctor to see the body parts clearly and see the main cause.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat epididymitis?
Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with epididymitis:
- Get plenty of bed rest
- Avoid sexual contact with other people to prevent the spread of infection
- Avoid lifting heavy objects
- Wear athletic support equipment if you are high impact sports
- Find a comfortable position to lift the scrotum and apply ice packs to reduce swelling
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.