Definition:
Epididymitis is a condition wherin the epididymis swell or becomes inflamed. This medical condition may entail mild to extremely pain. Adminsitration of antibiotics may also be needed to control infection. Epididymis is structure located along the posterior area of the testis. It is coiled and tubular in appearance. It is the structure that allows for the transport, storage, and maturation of the sperm cells and also connecting the efferent ducts to the vas deferens. Swelling of the epididymis can either be acute or chronic and is commonly caused by infection.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of epididymitis can be difficult because it may be hard to distinguish one from the other. There can be case where both conditions occur simultaneously. Tests administered include test for testicular cancer, varicocele or check for a cyst growing within the epididymis. An overall physical examination and ultrasound is also done.
Treatment:
Patients experiencing pain in the testicle or scrotum require immediate evaluation to identify and also treat the potential cases of any testicular torsion quickly. PTreatments include antibiotic therapy, analgesicsto control the pain, supportive care including scrotal support and elevation, ice pack application, and blocking of the spermatic cord.
Symptoms and Signs:
Treatments for Epididymitis include the administration of antibiotics like Doxycycline, scrotum elevation, regular application of cold compresses to the scrotum. In severe cases, hospitalisation is an option including check-ups to make sure the infection has been treated. A procedure called as a cord block is usually done when all traditional methods are not effective. Using this treatment, the pain is usually controlled for 2-3 months but only in ideal conditions or a patient may decide whether to have the whole epididymis removed taking with it the pain.
Causes:
Epididymitis condition is most commonly triggered by a secondary bacterial infection brought about by various underlying conditions. Infections of the urinary tract or UTI are often the most common cause of this condition. It can also be brought about by STDs, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Other causes is surgery of genito-urinary area also including kidney and bladder problems, prostatectomy, or urinary catheterization.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
