EPIDIDYMITIS

 Basic information

description

Epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis. The epididymis is a long, tightly coiled tube located at the top of each testicle. It stores and carries sperm to the penis. Epididymitis may affect one or both testicles. It may be acute or chronic (lasts for 6 weeks or more). It can affect all ages, but often affects men ages 19 to 35.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Pain, heat, redness, and swelling at the back or top of one testicle (sometimes both).
• Fever and chills.
• Urinary urge, frequency, burning, or pain.
• Discharge from the penis (sometimes).
• Painful ejaculation.

causes

• The most common cause is a bacterial infection. Germs can spread from the urethra or bladder through the vas deferens to the epididymis. The bacterial infection is often due to a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
• Other causes may be a viral infection (more often in children), certain drugs (e.g., amiodarone, a heart drug), tuberculosis, injury, or other medical disorders. Sometimes, no cause is found.

risk increases with

• Recent urethral or urinary tract infection.
• Abnormalities or recent surgery involving the genitals or urinary tract.
• Unsafe sexual practices that lead to STDs.
• Catheter (use of a tube to carry urine from the body).
• Strenuous physical activity, bicycle or motorcycle riding, or prolonged periods of sitting (e.g., at work or travel).
• Prostate problems.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Practice safe sex or abstain from sexual activity.
• Avoid risk factors where possible.

expected outcomes

Usually curable with treatment. Pain often goes away in 1 to 3 days. Complete healing may take several weeks.

possible complications

• Abscess (pus-filled area).
• May rarely impair fertility .
• The disorder may become chronic.
• Atrophy (shrinking) of the testicle.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do an exam of the genitals. Medical tests include urine or discharge studies to check for bacteria or sexually transmitted diseases. Blood studies, ultrasound, and other tests may be done.
• The goal of treatment is to cure the infection and reduce pain and swelling. Treatment can usually be done at home with rest, drugs, and self-care.
• While sitting, support the weight of the scrotum and tender testicles. Roll a soft bath towel and place it or a pillow between the legs under the inflamed area.
• Apply an ice bag (wrapped in a cloth) to the inflamed parts to help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Do this for 10 to 15 minutes at a time several times a day. Don't use heat.
• Wear an athletic supporter or two pairs of athletic briefs when you return to normal activity.
• Surgery may be recommended in cases of blockage or narrowing of the urethra, or for an abscess.

medications

• Antibiotics will be prescribed for infection. They may be given by injection or taken orally. Sexual partners often require treatment also.
• Use ibuprofen or naproxen for mild pain and inflammation. Stronger drugs may be prescribed for more severe pain.

activity

Rest in bed until fever, pain, and swelling improve. Avoid sexual intercourse until your health care provider determines the treatment is complete.

diet

No special diet.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has epididymitis symptoms.
• Pain is not relieved by treatment.
• You develop severe scrotal pain, urinary pain or a discharge, fever, chills, or you become constipated.

Special Notes: