Inflammation of the epididymis, otherwise known as epididymitis, is an inflammation of the epididymis, a long, tortuous canal attached to the top of each testis. Epididymis( epididymis) is the storage, transport and aging of sperm before ejaculation.
Description
Inflammation of the epididymis is the most common cause of pain in the scrotum in men, although in adolescents it is the second most important. The acute form of the disease is usually accompanied by the most severe pain and swelling. If the symptoms continue more than 6 weeks after the start of treatment, the disease is considered chronic.
Epididymitis is most common in people aged 18 to 40 years, but is also found in children. Boys who have painful urination and have a history of infectious diseases of the urethra, abnormal bladder function, or an abnormality in the urogenital system are more likely to develop epididymitis. This disease is rarely seen in adolescents who do not have sex. It is most common among military men who have been engaged in military training for a long time and are deprived of the possibility of emptying the bladder.
Among the factors responsible for the increased risk of epididymitis, there are:
- infections of the bladder, kidney, prostate or urethra,
- narrowing of the urethra,
- using the urethral catheter.
Infection does not start with epididymis. Infection is ascending and most often begins in the urethra or urethra.
Causes and Symptoms of
Among men under 35 years of age living with sex, Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae are the most common cause of epididymitis. Although inflammation of the epididymis is often caused by STDs, there are other causes of the disease. Surgical treatment of the urethra or congenital pathology can lead to forms of epididymitis that are not associated with STDs. Also, the cause of epididymitis in men can be pyogenic microorganisms that cause infections in other parts of the body. Epididymitis can be caused by trauma or scrotal infection or irritation from urine accumulated in the vas deferens.
Symptoms of epididymitis include pain in the testicles. Pain, which usually builds up gradually over several hours or days, is accompanied by a sudden reddening and swelling of the scrotum. Usually only one testicle is affected. The patient in a standard situation develops a chill, a slight increase in temperature and, often, an acute form of urethritis. Symptoms may include pain in ejaculation, and sperm may contain urine and blood. The enlargement of the lymph nodes in the groin leads to pain in the scrotum, which gradually increase and sometimes lead to difficulties for men in walking.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on the following studies:
- general urine analysis for elevated white blood cell count and bacterial presence,
- urine culture for the identification of microorganisms responsible for infections,
- analysis of urethral and prostate secretions,
- blood count for elevated white blood cell count,
- Ultrasound examination to increase the size of epididymis.
This disease can lead to suppuration or development of complications such as infertility. Therefore, he should pay due attention and contact the urologist to conduct a survey and treatment.
Treatment of
Treatment of epididymitis in traditional medicine is based on antibiotic therapy. To prevent re-infection, patients should take medication strictly by prescription, even if the symptoms disappear, and it becomes easier. Pain symptoms are reduced by over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs.
Treatment provides bed rest until minimization of symptoms. It is also recommended for men to wear a suspensions when returning to normal mode. In some cases, when symptoms include acute pain, local anesthetic injections are used. It is also practiced cooling the scrotum with ice.
Surgical intervention
Treatment of epididymitis involves two options for surgical operations, both of which lead to sterility. Epididymectomy involves the removal of the inflamed epididymis by a small incision in the scrotum. Treatment with bilateral vasectomy leads to the termination of the passage of fluid and semen through epididymis. This operation is usually performed in men who have chronic epididymitis, or in elderly patients who underwent surgery on the prostate. Before deciding to undergo a surgical procedure leading to infertility, patients should consider alternative treatment options.
Alternative Therapies
Treatment of this disease using alternative medicine methods focuses on improving blood circulation in the affected area. This reduces symptoms and helps the body to recover. In some cases, fasting is recommended. Also, such treatment provides for different kinds of phytotherapy with certain medicinal plants. Hydrotherapy may be useful, as it enhances blood circulation in the prostate gland, softens discomfort and speeds up recovery. Possible the use of homeopathic methods of treatment, acupuncture, manual therapy and aromatherapy.
Self care
The patient should not consume drinks containing caffeine. To prevent constipation in a male patient, a softener of the stool should be used or there is a sufficient amount of fruit, nuts, whole grains, or other types of products with laxative properties. Substantial physical exertion should be avoided until the symptoms of the disease disappear. It is necessary to refrain from sexual intercourse until the symptoms disappear completely.
If the second course of treatment failed to eliminate the symptoms, prolonged anti-inflammatory therapy may be recommended. In rare cases of chronic course, surgical intervention may be required.
Prevention of
Condom use helps prevent some cases of epididymitis. Drinking enough fluids that stimulate urine output can prevent urinary retention that causes the infection to develop.
