Epididymitis : Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS

Introduction

The epididymis is a series of small, coiled tubes. It is present at the back of both testicles. It stores and collects sperm.

When inflammation arises in these tubes, it may cause pain in the scrotum (testicle skin). This condition is known as epididymitis. This inflammation can occur due to an infection. When this infection spreads to the testicle, it is called epididymal orchitis.

Epididymitis is often a bacterial infection. It affects men between the ages of 20 and 40. It can arise from several conditions, such as sexually transmitted infections or urinary tract infections. Also, the bacteria from the urethra tube can reach the epididymitis because they move through the reproductive and urinary systems.

However, several treatments can treat this condition, such as bed rest or antibiotics.

In this article, we will discuss epididymitis causes, symptoms, and treatments in detail.

Table of Contents

What are the causes of epididymitis?

This condition usually arises from an infection. This infection is mostly caused by the bacteria E. coli. Sometimes it can also be caused by other bacteria, such as chlamydia or mycoplasma. These usually occur through sexually transmitted infections.
Other infections, such as mumps virus and tuberculosis, can also cause this conditio
This condition also arises when urine flows backward into the epididymis. For example, when you lift heavy weights, it causes pressure in the bladder, so urine may flow backward.
Epididymitis can also arise when your urethra gets blocked. The urethra is a tube that empties pee from your bladder.
It can also occur due to an enlarged prostate gland. (a walnut-sized gland that surrounds the urethra). It also nourishes the sperm.
It can arise when you use a catheter. A silicon tube is used to empty the bladder. It is inserted into your bladder to empty it.
This condition can also arise from a traumatic injury caused by repetitive activities such as sports.
It can also arise if you have a past medical history, such as having had a urinary tract infection.
Surgery on the prostate gland, bladder, or groin can also cause this condition.

Epididymitis Symptoms: What Are They?

This condition may start with only mild symptoms. However, symptoms may also get worse if left untreated.

People affected by epididymitis may experience the following symptoms:

Pelvic pain
Tenderness and pain in the affected testicle
Pressure and fluid build up around the affected testicle
Redness in scrotum
Enlargement of lymph nodes
Painful urination and bowel movements

How do you diagnose epididymitis?

The doctor may ask about the symptoms and examine your scrotum to see if you have any infection symptoms.

They can also check your prostate for tenderness with a rectal exam. If these tests suspect epididymitis, then your doctor might ask for one or more tests. Such as,

Blood Sample :A blood test is used to identify this condition. However, it is often used to find abnormalities.
Urine Sample:To check for signs of infection, the doctor may check your urine in a lab. For this, you have to pee in a cup provided by them.
Ultrasound:To see images of your testicles and scrotum, the doctor may use ultrasound tests.
Swab Sample:In this test, the doctor will check your penis discharge. For this, the doctor will insert a narrow swab into your penis tip. This test is usually used to diagnose sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.

What are the Epididymitis Treatments?

Treatment will be planned according to the cause of epididymitis.

For example, if the cause is a bacterial infection (which is caused by N. gonorrhea or E. coli bacteria), it is a sexually transmitted infection. The doctor prescribes antibiotics such as ceftriaxone, doxycycline, or azithromycin.
Although in sexually transmitted infections, the man must avoid sex until the treatment is completed.
To reduce pain and swelling, the doctor usually recommends anti-inflammatory and painkiller drugs. For example, ibuprofen
Epididymitis arising from repetitive activities can be treated with rest and scrotal support. Additionally, it can also be treated by applying an ice pack to the affected area.

According to a trusted source, once the treatment has begun, The man will recover in one to three days. However, some of the signs can take a longer time to disappear.

In most severe cases, the patient may also have to be admitted to a hospital for surgical procedures.

This usually occurs when a man is affected by chronic epididymitis.

Let’s discuss what it is.

1. Chronic Epididymitis

When epididymitis lasts for a longer period, such as six weeks, or when it occurs again and again, then chronic epididymitis occurs. This condition can affect some men. It is inflammation without an infection. However, the cause of this condition is unknown yet.

But nerves and muscle hypersensitivity are thought to be contributing factors to this condition.

Additionally, it can cause many health risks.

To treat these health risks, doctors will not recommend antibiotics. Instead, they will recommend the following treatments:

2. When to see a doctor

When you experience scrotal swelling or pain, you must seek medical advice to prevent further damage. Because it can also be caused by some other medical conditions.

Although if you experience severe pain in the scrotum, then it’s a medical emergency.

Other than that, if you have pain while passing urine or penis discharge, you should also go to a doctor.

Do you know that epididymitis can also arise in children? If not, let’s discuss it.

3. Pediatric Epididymitis

Like adults, children can also be affected by this condition. However, the cause of inflammation is not the same in children as in adults.

Some common causes of this condition in children are:

Common symptoms of epididymitis in children are: