Epididymitis Infection

The epididymis is the tube located at the top and rear of the testicles. The epididymis stores the sperm while it matures. When the epididymis becomes inflamed or swollen, the condition is called epididymitis. If the inflammation gets worse, it can also affect the testicles. Epididymitis can affect men of all ages but it is more prevalent in men between 19 and 35 years old.

Causes

• The most common cause of epididymitis in older men and children is a bacterial infection arising from the bladder or urethra. In sexually active men younger than 35, the most common cause of epididymitis is a sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhea. A drug called amiodarone----used in the treatment of arrhythmia----can also cause the epididymis to become inflamed. Chemical epididymitis is a condition that is caused by the back flow of urine into the epididymis. In rare cases, conditions such as fungal infections, tuberculosis and syphilis, might also cause epididymitis. You are at a greater risk of developing epididymitis if you are uncircumcised, sexually promiscuous or you have a history of urinary tract infection.

Symptoms

• The most common symptoms of epididymitis are increased sensitivity in the testicles, mild fever and chills. Other symptoms can include swollen scrotum, pelvic or abdominal pain, groin pain, painful ejaculation, painful urination, lump in testicle, urethral discharge, testicular pain amplified by bowel movements and blood in semen. The nature of the symptoms depends on the cause of epididymitis.

Complications

• When the inflammation in the epididymis reaches the testicles, the condition is called epididymo-orchitis. The treatment for epididymo-orchitis is the same as that for epididymitis. Other complication of epididymis include chronic epididymitis, pus-filled scrotal abscesses, testicular shrinkage, scrotal fistula and infertility in rare cases.

Treatment

• A combination of anti-inflammatory medication and antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and doxycycline is the most effective treatment for epididymitis. Bed rest, elevating the scrotum, and applying ice to the affected area also helps to reduce inflammation. Amiodarone-induced epididymitis can be treated by reducing the dose of amiodarone. Antibiotics may not work in case of chronic epididymis or epididymis caused by tuberculosis. In such a case cases, surgical removal of the epididymis might be necessary.

Prevention

• You can prevent epididymitis caused by sexually transmitted diseases by practicing safe sex; use condoms whenever possible and limit yourself to one sexual partner at a time. If you are diagnosed with epididymitis, your sexual partner must also be tested to avoid future transmission of an STD. You should also avoid sex until the epididymis inflammation goes away.