The epididymis is
a structure which lies on and around each testicle. It functions in the transport, storage
and maturation of sperm cells originating from the testicle. When a man complains
of scrotal pain, acute or chronic epididymitis is far and away that most common diagnosis.
Acute epididymitis is usually more severe involving more significant swelling and pain
than chronic epididymitis. Epididymitis which lasts more than six weeks is considered
chronic epididymtitis.
- What are the signs and symptoms
of the condition?
- The symptoms of epididymitis include scrotal pain and
swelling. The pain or swelling may be mild or severe. At times the epididymus may become
so inflamed that a patient is unable to walk (due to pain). Infection may also become so
severe that it spreads to the adjacent testicle. Such cases may cause fever and, rarely,
abscess formation.
Most cases of epididymitis are not severely disabling;
usually the pain and swelling is not severe. It is common for pain to increase as the day
progresses. It has long been thought that straining or strainful work was a contributory
factor in epididymitis. Recently, however, this has been considered to be less of a factor
and infection is now considered the most common cause of epididymitis. The infective
agents most likely to cause epididymitis are the bacteria which commonly cause other
urinary infections. A much less common cause of epididymitis is the gonorrhea bacteria.
- What are the treatments?
- The treatment for acute epididymitis is well accepted and
effective. It includes antibiotics therapy, bed rest, scrotal support
("supporter"), and oral anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Ibuprofen). Each of
these modes of treatment is important. Chronic epididymitis is more of a problem (though
less severe) because it's symptoms seem to persist even after the initial treatment. In
these cases a second round of therapy may be helpful. Beyond this, longer term
anti-inflammatory medication is recommended. Surgical treatment for chronic epididymitis
is an uncommon last resort.
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