Of the Epididymis is a male organ that occurs twice in healthy men. The epididymis lies with the Testicles together in Scrotum and is for the R.accumulation and storage of sperm responsible.
A Inflammation of the organ is also medically called Epididymitis refers to and represents a urological emergency. Such an inflammation usually arises from the infection of the epididymis with germs that spread through the urethra come into contact with the organ. There is also the possibility that germs can be transported via the blood to the epididymis and cause inflammation there. As Pathogen which may be responsible for the inflammation come both Viruses as well as bacteria into consideration. There is also the possibility of a non-infectious cause causing the inflammation. The therapy epididymitis is basically due to the administration of Antibiotics. Other serious diseases of the testicle should be ruled out before starting therapy. If the disease is recognized early and the therapy works, the disease usually takes a good course and is usually healed within a few days under antibiotic therapy.
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The symptoms of epididymitis can vary from person to person. A main symptom that may indicate the presence of epididymitis is epididymal pain. Typical of pain that occurs as part of the disease is initially not clearly delimited pain in the lower abdomen or the groin area. The pain is often described as pulling. The severity of the pain typically increases as the disease progresses. Only in the course of the inflammation and within a few hours can the pain be localized to the testicles. This can cause very severe pain. At this point at the latest, a doctor should definitely be consulted to clarify the symptoms.
Depending on how far the inflammation has progressed and which pathogen is underlying the symptoms, signs of infection such as an increased temperature and a pronounced feeling of illness can also arise. The epididymis is usually noticeably swollen on one side.
$config[ads_text2] not foundRead more on the subject at: Epididymis are swollen - what's behind it?
In the course of the disease, the testicle is often infected, causing swelling of the entire scrotum on the affected side. The inflammation and swelling also leads to a dark red coloration of the affected scrotum. The development of the initial, subtle symptoms to a noticeably swollen testicle and severe pain can take place within 24 hours. Symptoms that indicate the presence of epididymitis should always be taken seriously. Since the disease takes a more favorable course with early therapy, a visit to a doctor is worthwhile at the beginning of the inflammation.
However, there may also be other causes behind an enlarged testicle, which should be urgently clarified by a doctor. Please read our page about: Testicle is enlarged and swollen
Further interesting information on this topic can be found at: I recognize epididymitis by these symptoms
Bacterial and viral pathogens in particular can be the cause of epididymitis. The pathogens often come into contact with the epididymis via the urethra and infect it. Epididymitis can also develop through a prostate infection. Furthermore, it can theoretically lead to an infection of the organ via the bloodstream. In this case, the pathogen comes from another inflammation in the body and comes into contact with the epididymis through the blood. In children, a certain bacterium, which is normally found in the intestines, is often responsible for causing the disease. In adults, sexually transmitted pathogens are the main cause.
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Please also read our main article on the subject Causes of epididymitis
$config[ads_text2] not foundOne trigger that can trigger inflammation with a non-infectious cause is injury to the epididymis, for example through exercise or an accident. Constant irritation of the testicle in the form of overstretching can also lead to epididymitis. A sports break should be used, especially if the symptoms occur frequently and the sport you are doing is a possible cause. After a testicular infection, the area should be spared for some time. Even if the symptoms are over, sports that could irritate the area should be avoided for the time being. How long you have to refrain from participating in the sport can be clarified individually with the attending physician.
Epididymitis cannot be caused by stress alone. The inflammation is caused by pathogens such as viruses (e.g. mumps viruses) or bacteria. The bacteria get from the urinary tract after an acute urinary tract infection or the prostate in the epididymis.
Epididymal pain can have several causes. The most common cause is epididymitis. Another cause can be a varicocele. In the case of a varicocele, there is an obstruction to the drainage in the vas deferens and consequently pain and congestion of sperm in the epididymis and vas deferens occur. In addition, testicular torsion can cause epididymis pain. Nerves and vascular cords are severely squeezed. It represents a medical emergency and needs urgent treatment.
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Read more on the topic: Testicular torsion
Blood congestion or a build-up of fluid caused by an injury, inflammation or swelling in the pelvis can also cause pain in the epididymis area. If you have epididymal pain, do not hesitate and contact a doctor immediately.
The individual duration of epididymitis depends on the length of time between the onset of the disease and the start of therapy, as well as the individual cause of the disease. In most cases, bacteria are the cause of the symptoms. By giving antibiotics and following the other therapy recommendations, the symptoms usually improve significantly within a few days. The antibiotic should still be taken until the end of the doctor's recommendation in order to avoid chronification and thus the development of dangerous complications.
Also read our main article on the topic Duration of epididymitis
The duration of epididymal pain varies from person to person and depends on the cause and the success of the pain treatment. In most cases, the pain should subside a few days after starting therapy. In rare cases, the pain lasts for a few weeks. You should see a urologist for regular follow-ups.
As a rule, epididymis is an acute disease which, with correct therapy, is healed within a few days and takes a good course. However, it can happen that the inflammation of the organ becomes chronic and the symptoms occur more frequently or are felt latently for a long time. Chronic epididymitis can result from inadequate intake of the antibiotic or therapy with the wrong antibiotic. Attempts should be made to eliminate the disease through rest and individual therapy adjustments. If conservative measures in chronic inflammation of the epididymis are unsuccessful, surgical removal of the inflamed organ can be considered.
More on this: Chronic epididymis
The healing of uncomplicated, bacterial epididymis can take up to 6 weeks. If the therapy is unsuccessful and complications such as abscessing (melting of epididymal tissue), fistula or propagation of the inflammation along the seminal and urinary tract occur, surgical removal of the epididymis may be necessary.
$config[ads_text1] not foundApproximately 15-20% of bacterial epididymitis can take a chronic course. The chronic form is characterized by a painless or painful rough infiltration of the epididymis and spermatic duct. Most of the time, a surgical procedure has to be carried out, which increases the healing time.
Should Symptoms appearthat indicate the presence of epididymitis will be a Doctor visit recommended for clarification. This one will primarily try serious illnesseswho need immediate therapy, to exclude and thus prevent dangerous complications. The attending physician can usually make the diagnosis of epididymitis through the exact recording of the individually occurring symptoms and a precise assessment of the affected testicle. In order to be able to look at the epididymis, a Ultrasound of the testicle be performed. If the epididymis is inflamed, it is usually greatly enlarged. By a Examination of the urine it can be determined what kind of inflammation it is and the therapy can be adjusted if necessary.
Acute epididymitis is usually caused by bacteria that enter the epididymis through a urinary tract or prostate infection or via the blood. Usually the inflammation occurs on one side. At the onset of acute inflammation, there is swelling, redness of the affected area, and severe pain in the epididymis.
In addition, patients often complain of painful urination, chills, fever and a general feeling of fatigue. In the further course the pain can radiate into the lower abdomen and the groin region. The acute epididymis often spreads to the other epididymis as well.
If not promptly treated, chronic epididymitis can develop. See a doctor as soon as symptoms of inflammation, such as swelling and pain in the testicle area, appear.
Before treatment for epididymitis is carried out, diseases should first be excluded that could result in serious complications if the therapy is incorrect. Testicular torsion is particularly important in young patients.
Epididymitis is generally treated by taking antibiotics. In addition, the testicle should be raised and cooled. In addition to alleviating symptoms, these measures have a beneficial effect on the course of the disease. If the antibiotic works, the disease and symptoms typically improve within a few days.
Part of the recommended therapy for epididymis is cooling the affected testicle. Cooling the testicle has a positive influence on the course of the disease and improves the underlying symptoms. Cooling is done through ice compresses. It should be noted that the egg does not lie directly on the skin of the testicle. It is also important that other therapeutic measures in addition to cooling should be taken. In addition to cooling, antibiotic therapy, as well as elevation and immobilization of the testicle, are particularly important.
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As a rule, epididymitis heals well without surgical measures by administering antibiotics. In rare cases, an abscess can form, which may need to be surgically removed. Even with chronic inflammation of the epididymis, it may be the last resort to remove it by means of an operation. It should be noted that surgical removal of the organ leads to a partial loss of sperm production. If both epididymis are affected and need to be removed, the affected person is considered sterile. For this reason, in some cases, consideration is given to removing an epididymis to prevent the inflammation from spreading to the organ on the other side and thus preventing the affected person from becoming infertile.
Acute epididymitis is a medical emergency and you should urgently consult a doctor. For epididymitis, the doctor will prescribe bed rest, pain medication, and often an antibiotic. Antibiotics such as doxycycline, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin or azithromycin are used to treat the bacterial infection.
Epididymitis cannot be cured with homeopathic remedies alone. In any case, antibiotic therapy is indicated. You can take homeopathic remedies in addition to antibiotics to relieve pain and shorten the course of the disease.
Aurum preparations such as Aurum chloratum natronat, Aurum colloidale, Aurum iodatum or Aurum metallicum are suitable as homeopathic remedies to supplement therapy. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before use.
The prognosis of epididymitis is generally to be assessed as good. So it comes with correct therapy Antibiotics and stricter bed rest mostly already within a few days to a Improvement of the symptoms.
Dangerous the inflammation can be when this chronic will or no treatment takes place. This can lead to a Inflammation of the entire testicle come and even spread of the disease to both testicles. Also the formation of one Abscess can worsen the course of the disease. So in this case it can be a Blood poisoning come which can have life-threatening consequences.
Epididymitis usually heals well. However, if the healing process is complicated, there can be long-term consequences from the inflammation. The epididymitis can lead to impaired fertility. The epididymal canal can become scarred as it heals, thus hindering the transport of the sperm. If the epididymis recurs, a vasectomy (cutting of the spermatic cord) or removal of the epididymis (epididymectomy) may be necessary. This also results in infertility.
If the epididymis is very severe and the immune system is weakened, Fournier gangrene can develop. This leads to necrosis (death of connective tissue cords) in the testicles, which can lead to a severe inflammatory reaction of the entire organism.
Read more on the topic: Fournier gangrene
In most cases, epididymitis heals without consequences if the disease is treated correctly. However, complications can arise which have an adverse effect on the course of the disease.
There may be a risk of inflammation of the other epididymis and the affected organ may need to be removed. If both epididymis are severely inflamed and conservative therapy has no chance of success, both epididymis must be removed, which results in infertility of the person concerned.
Inadequate therapy for the pathogen responsible for the inflammation can also lead to chronic inflammation of the epididymis. Should a so-called abscess form and there is also the risk of blood poisoning, which can be associated with life-threatening complications.
Read more on the topic: Sperm ducts swollen - what's behind it?
In principle, you are allowed to have sexual intercourse during epididymitis. Usually, however, pain can occur during sexual intercourse, even if the inflammation is treated. In this case, find out from your urologist.
Epididymitis is contagious to women. The bacteria (e.g. clamydia) can be transmitted during sexual intercourse and cause inflammation of the urethra or genital tract in women. You should use condoms during sexual intercourse to avoid infection with sexually transmitted pathogens.
Find out more about the topic: Clamydial infection
During epididymitis, you should refrain from physical activity and sports that cause irritation and stretching of the testicles. Discuss with your doctor when you can start exercising again.
During a vasectomy, the spermatic duct is surgically interrupted in order to achieve lasting sterility. As a result, the sperm can no longer get out through the urethra. The man's potency is preserved. After the operation, complications can occur despite the greatest care.
Epididymis is a complication after a vasectomy. This occurs in 0.55% of the cases. This complication is significantly increased by previous illnesses. The inflammation sounds in most cases from the intake of antibiotics and cooling compresses.
Also read the article on the topic: Pain after a vasectomy
After an inguinal hernia surgery, in addition to temporary unilateral swelling of the testicle, epididymitis can also occur. Bacterial infection can spread to the testes through the inguinal canal and cause inflammation. There is severe pain in the epididymis area. You should see a doctor straight away who will prescribe an antibiotic to treat the inflammation. Painkillers can be taken for the pain.
For more information on the subject, see: Surgery for an inguinal hernia
How long one is unable to work with epididymitis depends on the healing process and varies from person to person. It can take up to 6 weeks to fully recover.
To prevent epididymitis, the respective Causes for the development of the disease avoided become. An infection with sexually transmitted pathogens can be avoided by using a condom during sexual intercourse. For children, one should good hygiene of the genital region Be careful to avoid infection. The implementation of sports and physical activity, which one Irritation and stretching of the testicle should entail if possible fail become
