Verified By Apollo Hospitals October 1, 2024
Epididymitis is the inflammation of the epididymis – a tube which is located at the back of testicle that carries and stores sperm. Epididymitis can affect males at any age and is usually caused by a bacterial infection.
Epididymitis is a clinical syndrome consisting of inflammation, pain and swelling of the epididymis, a highly convoluted duct behind the testis that carries sperm. It can affect men of any age but mostly it affects the age group between 14 and 35 years . A sexually transmitted infection, mainly gonorrhoea and chlamydia, is the most significant cause of epididymitis. A non-sexually transmitted infection, such as urinary tract infection (UTI) or prostate infection can also lead to epididymitis. However, epididymitis is easily treated with the help of certain antibiotics. Chronic epididymitis extends longer than the usual six weeks with discomfort or pain in the scrotum and testicle or epididymis.
About 600,000 cases of epididymitis are detected in the United States each year.
The following symptoms indicate a condition of acute epididymitis:
Enlargement of lymph nodes in the groin region
In some rare cases, you might need surgery to drain any abscesses that have formed.
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.
Practising safe sex methods is one of the most essential steps in preventing epididymitis. Use condoms every time you have sex, even if it is with a partner you have known for a long time. If you experience regular urinary tract infections or the other risk factors, then talk to your doctor about how to prevent the infections.
Yes, a non-sexually transmitted infection can also cause epididymitis. For instance, urinary tract infection (UTI) or prostate infection. However, epididymitis is easily treated and generally heals with the help of antibiotics.
Apart from causing you pain and discomfort, the condition could spread to the testicles and cause more harm like the shrinkage of the testes, death of testicular tissue, infertility, and the formation of sores or cysts in the epididymis.
Epididymitis, torsion, varicocele, physical trauma, and testicular tumours etc, are the most common reasons behind testicular pain.
Acute epididymitis lasts less than six weeks while chronic epididymitis lasts for longer than six weeks. You must seek medical help immediately, if you notice any symptoms.
If the condition and its underlying cause are treated promptly, then the condition can be cured completely.
© Copyright 2024. Apollo Hospitals Group. All Rights Reserved.