Epididymitis is inflammation of your epididymis, a tube that carries sperm at the back of a testicle.
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This swelling can cause intense pain in your testicle.
It can occur at any age, though it happens most often in people between the ages of 14 and 35.
The flow of acute epididymitis inflammation usually starts suddenly and fiercely. In a matter of hours the whole half of the testicle swells to a significant size followed by very strong pain, skin redness, increased body temperature of up to 40C, chills, and disruption of the general condition of the body.
Most cases of epididymitis are caused by an infection called E. coli or called Mycoplasma or Chlamydia. These infections often are sexually transmitted infections. Mumps and rarely tuberculosis can also cause epididymitis.
Epididymitis symptoms are pain in the scrotum that may move to the rest of the groin, swelling and redness in the testicle, blood in semen, fever, and painful urination also known as dysuria.
But there are other causes of epididymitis and they are not sexually transmitted diseases.
For example, as a result of heavy lifting urine may flow back into your epididymis, which obviously is not good.
Then, an enlarged prostate gland, a catheter from the bladder, surgery or traumatic groin injury can also cause epididymitis.
To diagnose epididymitis, your healthcare provider will examine your scrotum to look for a tender area or lump.
The doctor may also include diagnostic tests if they suspect it's about a bacterial or virus infection.
The treatment includes antibiotics for one or two weeks which is an obvious solution if there is a bacterial infection.
Since the condition is very unpleasant and may be painful, pain killers are welcome, anti inflammatory drugs, elevating the scrotum, putting ice on the affected place, and rest. And not having sex until the doctor says so because it may increase the pain.
The condition usually lasts a month and a half but there can be complications.
Epididymitis belongs to that group of conditions where it can be nothing, and it can be very serious.
If treated, it will go away. It is important to seek help as soon as possible.
If not treated, first the pain may become worse. Then, it can cause fertility problems. It may cause an abscess in your scrotum and skin may open because of the infection. And, worst of all, it can cause the infection to spread to other parts of your body which is a very serious situation.
The risk of getting epididymitis can be reduced by two obvious things: use condoms to avoid a sexually transmitted infection and avoid lifting things you can't lift and physical activity that is above your limits.
But there is one more important thing: avoid long periods of sitting. We are built for walking, not sitting, and sitting keeps our body in an unnatural position which can cause a range or pressure on our whole body, testicles included.
And, of course, if you are diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease, inform all your sexual partners so that can get help on time. ■