Discusses epididymitis that lurks the male reproductive organs

Epididymitis is a reproductive problem that is very common in men of all ages, but it often affects men ages 14 to 35. Moreover, men who frequently have unprotected sex and mutually partner are very at risk of contracting this disease. So, what is epididymitis like?

What is epididymitis?

The epididymis is a part of the reproductive organs in men. At the back of the testes, there is a circular tube called the epididymis.

If you feel the connected parts on the top and back of the testicle, this is the epididymis. This channel plays a role in storing and carrying sperm from the testes to the vas deferens (long tubes that supply mature sperm), where they are accommodated in the urethra.

Under certain conditions, the epididymis can become inflamed and swollen, causing pain. This is called epididymitis or inflammation of the sperm duct.

Judging from the inflammatory conditions that can be experienced, epididymitis is divided into two types, namely:

• Acute epididymitis, namely inflammation of the sperm duct that occurs suddenly and develops rapidly. This type of epididymitis usually resolves faster because it occurs in less than 6 weeks.
• Chronic epididymitis, namely inflammation of the sperm ducts that develop slowly and cause dull pain. However, this type of epididymitis actually lasts longer than acute epididymitis, which is more than 6 weeks.

The main cause of epididymitis is venereal disease

Epididymitis is caused by the entry of bacteria into the urethra, prostate, or bladder into the sperm duct (epididymis), which causes inflammation. There are two main causes of the epididymis, including:

1. Venereal disease

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that several venereal diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, are the most common causes of epididymitis in men aged 35 years and under, as reported by Healthline.

Especially if you frequently change partners and do not use condoms during intercourse, the risk of epididymitis can increase in you.

2. Urinary tract infection

Epididymitis due to urinary tract infection is more common in children and adult men aged 35 years and over. This risk can increase if you experience:

• Swelling of the prostate pressing on the bladder
• Inserting a catheter into the penis
• Surgery on the groin, bladder, or prostate gland

Apart from venereal diseases and urinary tract infections, there are several other causes of epididymitis that are completely unrelated to the reproductive organs. For example, goiter, tuberculosis, groin injuries, kidney problems, and congenital bladder. Unfortunately, experts do not know for sure the relationship between these things.

Signs and symptoms of epididymitis

When bacteria start to enter the sperm duct, the epididymis will start to become inflamed and swell. You will usually feel pain in one testicle, rather than both.

Apart from pain, signs and symptoms of epididymitis are:

• The scrotum is swollen and reddish
• Urinating frequently
• Lumps appear on the testicles
• Pain when urinating or ejaculating
• Fever
• Bloody urine
• Discomfort in the lower abdomen
• Swollen lymph nodes in the groin

Not all men will experience the same signs and symptoms of epididymitis, because this depends on the cause of the epididymitis itself. For example like this. If your epididymitis is caused by a urinary tract infection, you may experience pain when urinating. Meanwhile, if it is caused by venereal disease, it is likely that there will be a strong smelling discharge that will come out of your penis.

Whatever signs and symptoms you feel, you should immediately consult a doctor to determine the cause. The sooner you detect the symptoms, the sooner they will be treated.

How to treat epididymitis?

As a first step, the doctor will give antibiotics to relieve symptoms of epididymitis. Even if you feel better after taking the antibiotics, you should still continue until the antibiotics are finished so that the infection is completely gone.

However, if your testicles are still sore and swollen, try taking a pain reliever such as ibuprofen to relieve it. You can also compress the groin area with a cloth filled with ice cubes and use special underwear for a few days.

Last but not least, avoid unprotected sex and the habit of changing partners. Remember, these things can increase your risk of contracting venereal disease and increase your risk of epididymitis.

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