Overview
Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis, the coiled tube located at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm. It can affect males of any age and is typically caused by bacterial infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea or chlamydia. Symptoms may include swelling or discoloration of the scrotum, testicle pain and tenderness, painful urination, discharge from the penis, abdominal or pelvic pain, blood in the semen, and, less commonly, fever. Treatment usually involves antibiotics and pain relief measures. To help prevent epididymitis, practice safer sex and maintain good hygiene, especially if you have risk factors such as a history of STIs or urinary tract infections.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
Symptoms of epididymitis may include:
- A swollen, discolored, or warm scrotum
- Testicle pain and tenderness, usually on one side, that often comes on slowly
- Pain when passing urine
- An urgent or frequent need to urinate
- Discharge from the penis
- Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area
- Blood in the semen
- Less commonly, fever It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, particularly severe scrotal pain or swelling.
Risk Factors
Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing epididymitis include:
- Having an STI, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia
- Engaging in sexual activities without a condom
- Having a history of STIs
- Engaging in anal sex
- A prostate or urinary tract infection
- Having a medical procedure that affects the urinary tract, like the insertion of a urinary catheter or scope into the penis
- An uncircumcised penis
- A difference in the typical anatomy of the urinary tract
- Prostate enlargement
- Other health conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if epididymitis is suspected, especially if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent pain or swelling in the scrotum
- Fever higher than 101閻撴瑩鏌ц箛娑欏亗 (38.3闁哄瞼鍠栭幖褰掑捶椤撶偛缍)
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Difficulty urinating or pain while urinating
- Severe pain or tenderness in the groin area
- A lump or mass in the scrotum It's important to seek medical attention promptly, as epididymitis can lead to complications such as testicular abscess, fertility issues, or chronic pain if left untreated.
Diagnosis
To diagnose epididymitis, your health care provider will discuss your symptoms and examine your groin. This includes checking for enlarged lymph nodes and an enlarged testicle on the affected side. Your provider may also do a rectal exam and conduct tests such as STI screening, urine and blood tests, or an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of epididymitis include:
- Pus-filled infection, called an abscess, in the scrotum
- Collection of fluid around the testicle, called a hydrocele
- Epididymo-orchitis, if the condition spreads from the epididymis to a testicle
- Rarely, reduced fertility
Prevention
some measures can be taken to help prevent epididymitis. Practicing safer sex by using condoms and having sex with partners who are not infected with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can help protect against STIs that can cause epididymitis. If you have recurrent urinary tract infections or other risk factors for epididymitis, it's important to discuss other prevention strategies with your healthcare provider. Remember that epididymitis can also be caused by non-sexually transmitted infections, so maintaining good hygiene and seeking prompt treatment for urinary tract or prostate infections can help reduce the risk of developing epididymitis.
Treatment
The treatments for epididymitis usually involve antibiotics and measures to relieve discomfort. Antibiotics are prescribed to treat the underlying infection, while over-the-counter pain relievers and warm compresses can help alleviate pain and inflammation. In some cases, anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended. If the epididymitis is caused by a sexually transmitted infection, it is important to inform your sexual partner(s) and abstain from sexual activity until the infection is fully treated.