Epididymitis: What you need to know

The article was written by Doctor Dang Anh Son - Emergency Department, Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.

Epididymitis is an inflammation of the coiled tube (epididymis) at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm. Men of any age can get epididymitis.

Epididymitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, including a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.

Signs and symptoms of epididymitis may include:
Swollen, red, or warm scrotum Pain and tenderness in the testicle, often unilateral, often coming on gradually Painful urination or an urgent need to urinate or Frequent discharge from the penis Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis Blood in the semen Less common: fever Chronic epididymitis
Epididymitis that lasts more than six weeks or recurs is considered chronic count. Symptoms of chronic epididymitis may appear gradually. Sometimes the cause of chronic epididymitis cannot be determined.

Causes of epididymitis include:
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Gonorrhea and chlamydia are the most common causes of epididymitis in young, sexually active men. . Other infections: Bacteria from a urinary tract or prostate infection can spread from the site of infection to the epididymis. Also, a viral infection, such as the mumps virus, can lead to epididymitis. Urine in the epididymis: This condition occurs when urine flows back into the epididymis, possibly from heavy lifting or straining. Trauma: Trauma to the groin can cause epididymitis. Tuberculosis: Rarely, epididymitis can be caused by a TB infection.

Complications of epididymitis include:
Purulent infection (abscess) in the scrotum Orchitis, if the condition spreads from the epididymis to the testicle Rarely, reduced fertility

To help protect against STIs that can cause epididymitis, practice safer sex.
If you have recurrent urinary tract infections or other risk factors for epididymitis, your doctor can discuss with you other ways to prevent recurrence.

Your doctor will check for enlarged lymph nodes in your groin and an enlarged testicle on the affected side. Your doctor may also do a rectal exam to check for an enlarged or distended prostate.
Tests your doctor may recommend include:
Screening for STIs. A narrow swab is inserted at the end of your penis to take a sample of discharge from your urethra. The sample is checked in a laboratory for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Urine and blood tests. Samples of your urine and blood are analyzed to look for abnormalities. Supersonic. This imaging test may be used to rule out testicular torsion. An ultrasound with color Doppler can determine if blood flow to your testicles is lower than normal - indicating torsion - or higher than normal, helping to confirm the diagnosis of epididymitis.

Antibiotics are needed to treat bacterial epididymitis. If the cause of the bacterial infection is an STI, your sexual partner should also be treated. Take the full course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms go away sooner, to make sure the infection is gone.
You should start to feel better within 48 to 72 hours of starting antibiotics. Rest, supporting the scrotum with a sports strap, applying ice, and taking pain relievers can help relieve discomfort.

If an abscess has formed, you may need surgery to drain it. Sometimes, all or part of the epididymis needs to be surgically removed (epididymectomy). Surgery may also be considered if epididymitis is caused by underlying physical abnormalities.

Epididymitis often causes significant pain. To ease your discomfort:
Bed rest Lie down so your scrotum is elevated Apply cold compresses to the scrotum if possible Wear sports aids Avoid heavy lifting Avoid sex until infection Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, modern equipment and technology system. The hospital provides comprehensive and professional medical examination, consultation and treatment services, with a civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space. Customers when choosing to perform tests here can be completely assured of the accuracy of test results.