Epididymitis – Èpididimoorhit

What is epididymitis?

Acute epididymitis – inflammation of the epididymis. Epididymis is a duct, which is attached to each egg's. It has the shape of a tube. The function of the epididymis – transport and store sperm.

Chronic epididymitis is causing discomfort or pain in testicle appendage. It may take about three months or longer (rarely).

Causes of epididymitis

Cause of epididymitis are most often bacterial infections. For Example:

• Urinary tract infections;
• Venereal diseases (STD), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea;
• Infection of the urethra – uretrit;
• Prostate infection – prostatitis;
• Tuberculosis.

Other causes of epididymitis include:

• Trauma;
• Viral infections, such as mumps;
• Sexual violation;
• Amiodarone treatment (anti-arrhythmic medication);
• Chemotherapy for the treatment of bladder cancer.

Risk factors for epididymitis

Epididymitis develops only in men. Risk factors include:

• Age: 15-30 years (infection, Sexually Transmitted Infections – common cause of epididymitis in this age);
• Age: more 60 (a more frequent cause of illness are urinary tract infection);
• Urinary tract infection, urethra, Bladder, kidney, the prostate gland or testicles;
• Ankylurethria;
• Use of urethral catheter;
• Infrequent emptying of the bladder;
• Effects of surgery on organs of the urogenital system, especially removal of prostate;
• Congenital defects of the urogenital system;
• Unprotected sex;
• Disease, which affect the immune system.

Children and newborns also can sicken èpididimitom. The reason is not necessarily associated with urinary tract infection.

Symptoms of epididymitis

Epididymitis symptoms usually appear within one day. These include:

• Pain in testicles;
• Sudden redness or swelling of the scrotum;
• Hardness, lump, and/or pain in the affected testicle;
• Hypersensitivity neporažennogo testicle;
• Inguinal pain;
• Chills;
• Fever;
• Inflammation of the urethra;
• Pain during intercourse or ejaculation;
• Pain and/or burning during urination;
• Increased pain when feces;
• Discomfort in the abdomen;
• Discharge from the penis.

Diagnosis of epididymitis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination.

Diagnosis can be assigned the following analyses:

• Analysis of urine;
• Urine culture;
• Sowing culture or other test discharge from penis;
• Blood tests.

For examination of scrotum ULTRASOUND can be assigned.

Treatment of epididymitis

Treatment should, to stop the spread of infection. Treatment of epididymitis may include:

• Bed rest – prevents the testicles from moving and promotes healing. Maybe, bed rest required until, until the swelling;
• Antibiotics – to treat a bacterial infection, antibiotics are assigned. Many cases of epididymitis caused by infections, sexually transmitted diseases. Hlamidiii are one of the most common causes of epididymitis. If you have an STD, your partner (s) also need treatment;
• Oral anti-inflammatory medications – include medications such as ibuprofen, to help reduce the swelling;
• Scrotal support – perhaps, a few weeks will need to wear a bandage, to support the scrotum stationary;
• Hot tubs – baths may relieve pain and help relieve swelling;
• Surgical intervention – may be necessary in severe cases, If there are persistent recurrences of epididymitis.

Prevention of epididymitis

To reduce the risk of epididymitis:

• Practice Safe Sex. Protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases by using condoms;
• Empty your bladder, as soon as you feel the need for this.