What is Epididymis?
Epididymis is a coiled structure of tubules which facilitates the storage and transport of the sperms produced by the testis. Thus, it is located in close approximation to the back of the testis and is linked with the testis with many tubules. Being a very vascular structure as well as having outlets that extend up to the urethra, it is susceptible in acquiring infections or chemicals that could lead to an inflammatory response.
What is Epididymitis and what can cause the disease?
Epididymitis is an inflammatory process occurring in the Epididymis. There are many causes for Epididymitis and following are some of the most common.
1. Ascending infections
Due to its linkages with the urinary tract, it is possible for organisms to ascend into the Epididymis. In children and in the elderly the causative organism is more likely to be E.coli. It has been identified that in sexually active males, the most common organisms are related to sexually transmitted infections. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are few of these organisms.
Apart from the above, an inflammatory reaction following an infection, especially in children, can cause an episode of Epididymitis. These post infection inflammatory reactions can be after either a bacterial or even a viral infection.
In rare instances blood born infections as well as fungi can cause an Epididymitis.
2. Chemical Epididymitis
This condition can occur following abnormal channelling of urine into the epididymis due to back pressure. People who are lifting heavy weights and who strain a lot are more susceptible in acquiring such illness.
3. Tuberculosis
TB can manifest as an Epididymitis and would warrant close investigations if the condition does not resolve and is long lasting.
4. Drugs
It is found out that some drugs can precipitate an inflammatory reaction in the Epididymis.
What are the symptoms of an Epididymitis?
Persons who are suffering from this condition will complain of varied symptoms and some of the most common ones are listed below.
1. Pain and tenderness
Pain will be more on palpating the back of the testis and it can be extremely tender in the acute inflammatory conditions.
2. Fever
The inflammatory reaction can give rise to a fever with chills and it can be worse if an underlying complication such as a scrotal abscess has been formed.
3. Oedema
The Epididymis will be oedematous and will be easily felt on palpation.
4. Redness and warmth on the scrotal skin
Apart from the above symptoms patients may also complain of nausea, abdominal pain and urethral discharge.
What treatment options are available for patients with Epididymitis?
Epididymitis has to be treated as soon as possible. The purpose is to avoid any complications secondary to the inflammatory process. With the initial diagnosis, following treatment can be initiated,
1. Ice packs to relieve scrotal pain
2. Scrotal support and elevation
3. Antibiotics treatment
4. Anti-inflammatory drug treatment
5. Bed rest
6. Surgical drainage of the abscess if present
In case of a sexually transmitted infection, the treatment should also cover treating the partner as well.
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