Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is epididymitis?
- How common is epididymitis?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of epididymitis?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes epididymitis?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for epididymitis?
- Medicines & Medicines
- How is epididymitis diagnosed?
- What are the treatments for epididymitis?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat epididymitis?
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Definition
What is epididymitis?
Epididymitis is a condition in which the epididymis becomes inflamed due to infection or other conditions. The epididymis itself is a tube at the back of the testis that carries sperm from the testis to the urethra.
Epididymitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection or sexually transmitted disease. If the testicles are also infected, the condition is called epididymo-orchitis.
How common is epididymitis?
Epididymitis is very common in men. This condition usually affects men between the ages of 19 and 35 and can be treated by reducing the risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of epididymitis?
Common symptoms of epididymitis are:
- Epididymis pain and swelling
- Mild fever
- Goosebumps
- Frequent and painful urination
- Discharge from the penis
- Pain in the testicles
- Sex is painful
- There is blood in the semen.
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
Cause
What causes epididymitis?
The causes of epididymitis depend on your age and behavior, such as:
- Sexually transmitted diseases: the main causes of epididymitis in young men are gonorrhea and chlamydia.
- Infection: Non-sexual bacterial infections can also cause epididymitis, where bacteria can move from the infected area to the epididymis if you have a urinary tract or prostate infection.
- Amiodarone (Pacerona) is a medicine for the heart that can cause inflammation of the epididymis.
- Urine in the epididymis (chemical epididymis) occurs when there is urine flow in the opposite direction due to lifting heavy objects or straining.
- Trauma from a thigh injury.
- Tuberculosis infection: this condition is a rare cause.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for epididymitis?
There are many risk factors for epididymitis, namely:
- If you haven't been circumcised.
- If you have unprotected sex or with a partner who has a sexually transmitted disease.
- You have tuberculosis.
- You have a urinary tract disorder.
- You have recently had urinary tract surgery or have injured your thigh.
- You are using a urinary catheter / urinary tube.
- You're taking amiodarone.
- Your prostate is enlarged.
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
How is epididymitis diagnosed?
The doctor may start with a physical exam to check the testicles or groin area and any abnormal changes, such as discharge from the penis. The doctor can take a fluid sample to test for disease.
Some of the other tests to diagnose epididymitis are:
- Urine and blood tests: a sample is taken to look for any abnormalities.
- Ultrasound (USG): this imaging test can rule out testicular torsion and other conditions. This test helps the doctor to see the body parts clearly and see the main cause.
What are the treatments for epididymitis?
Epididymitis can be treated with drugs to kill bacteria or control the underlying condition. Some of the drugs that are often used are:
- Antibiotics
- Pain reliever
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
Surgery is needed when the epididymis needs to be removed or to eliminate the cause.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat epididymitis?
Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with epididymitis:
- Get plenty of bed rest
- Avoid sexual contact with other people to prevent the spread of infection
- Avoid lifting heavy objects
- Wear athletic support equipment if you are high impact sports.
- Find a comfortable position to lift the scrotum and apply ice packs to reduce swelling.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.